Tailwind Air announced a forthcoming seaplane service between Manhattan and the Washington D.C. area using Cessna Grand Caravan turboprops that, at 80 to 90 minutes each way, reduces total travel time between the city pairs by up to 60 percent, according to the company.
The time savings, “paired with the unforgettable views, make this a compelling experience," said Tailwind Air co-founder Peter Manice, noting that airline shuttle service between New York and D.C. takes an hour and 20 minutes, in addition to time dealing with airport congestion. Amtrak's Acela train takes three hours and 50 minutes.
With service commencing on September 13, fares for the flights linking Manhattan’s SkyPort Marina on East 23rd Street and College Park Airport, 25 minutes from the Capital, start at $395 one way. Tailwind’s amphibious float-equipped Caravans are fitted with eight leather seats and air-conditioning and will be operated by two-pilot crews.
After introducing what it claims is the first seaplane service between the Big Apple and Boston Harbor earlier this summer, with DC added, Manhattan-based Tailwind Air will now serve nine destinations, including East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Montauk, Provincetown, and Shelter Island.
In addition to seaplanes, Tailwind Air operates a fleet of more than 20 jet and turboprop aircraft based in the New York Metro area.