The seaplane is the latest mode of a transportation to debut in a traffic-clogged region constantly searching for faster methods of travel.
Tailwind Air teased a route map featuring service from New York to Washington in April, but while seaplane service has been proposed in the past by others, the tightly controlled airspace around the nation’s capital became an obstacle. Tailwind chief executive Alan Ram said the New York-based company’s existing Boston route came with its own headaches over logistics.
The new travel option comes as major airlines and start-ups are exploring the potential for what they have dubbed “flying taxis,” typically small electric aircraft that promise short traffic-busting flights. While those operations would use recent technology, Tailwind says it’s offering a similar service using a model that dates to the earliest days of flying.Tailwind operates between New York and Boston, as well as other parts of New England.
Passengers can park free outside the airport building and aren’t subject to X-ray screening, with check-in allowed 10 minutes before departure.In the Washington region, National Harbor on the Prince George’s County waterfront seemed to some aviation enthusiasts like a possible landing spot in the water, but it falls within restricted airspace. Restrictions on airspace over the region extend about 15 nautical miles from Reagan National Airport.