Two Companies Hope To Establish Service On The City's Waterfront

Trials conducted last week by two seaplane companies which hope to begin operations out of Boston Harbor went pretty smoothly, at least as far as aircraft operations are concerned.

But while the waters were fairly smooth, the political winds were causing some turbulence for the companies. Three local politicians are casting a wary eye towards potential noise and "navigation hazards", according to a report from The Boston Globe.

The companies are Tailwind and Cape Air. Both say they hope to ease neighbors' concerns by meeting with local leaders to acquaint them with both the aircraft and the operations. They hope to establish service between Boston and Manhattan.

While the FAA has the final say in whether the companies will be able to establish regular seaplane service between the two cities, the local politicians could have some sway over the agency. City Councilman Michael Flattery said that the Charles River would be more appropriate for the seaplane operations because of shifting wind patterns and heavy summer boat traffic. State Representative Nick Collins feels like security would be an issue because passengers would not be screened like airline passengers at a major airport, and said Logan would be better suited because it is more secure and closer to the city center.

Tailwind is a charter operator, while Cape Air is a scheduled airline. Both have seaplane experience, and could launch the commercial routes between the East River in New York and Boston Harbor within a year.

FMI: www.capeair.com, http://flytailwind.com, www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil