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Tailwind Air to Cease Seaplane Operations

The company plans to continue charter flights.

A Tailwind Air Cessna 208B. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Tailwind Air, a seaplane carrier based in Manhattan, has ceased scheduled operations but plans to continue charter operations. The company is reportedly seeking a new investor to help revitalize its business model. Tailwind Air’s unique seaplane service connected New York City with destinations including Boston and Bridgeport, Conn., offering a novel alternative to traditional air travel.

However, the carrier has struggled to turn a profit with its scheduled seaplane operations, not having a load factor that is high enough to continue operations. With that, the airline had been searching for a new investor to keep the operation running but could not finalize a contract at the deal table.

Tailwind operated flights from Manhattan to Boston and other New York/Massachusetts region seaplane bases. The airline’s unique service offered a convenient alternative for business travelers and tourists, reducing travel time between major East Coast cities.

The company’s decision to focus on charter operations may allow it to utilize its fleet and resources better while exploring new business opportunities. Tailwind was the only airline with rights to fly into Boston Harbor, which will provide value for a future investor with the high demand the New York to Boston route carries.

Arya Karnik

Author

  • Ever since he was a kid, Arya has been interested in aviation. With his entire family overseas, he has taken many family trips worldwide to places like the United Kingdom and India. He lives in Colorado but attends The University of Alabama, studying Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. He hopes to obtain his PPL and eventually translate his engineering degree to working in operations at an airline.

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