Tropic Ocean Airways is launching new nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Key West on Nov. 27, giving South Florida travelers a new way to reach the island chain in about an hour.

The specialty airline is offering a “sneak peak” of the air service this weekend by flying passengers to Key West from Fort Lauderdale for Fantasy Fest, according to Patricia Summerfield, director of sales and partnerships at Tropic Ocean Airways.

“We have trips this weekend, but officially launch the air service between Fort Lauderdale and Key West the day after Thanksgiving,” said Summerfield.

Operating from Thursday through Sunday, flights connect private terminals at both airports, with one-way fares starting at $199. “That will fluctuate based on the season, but we want people to try the service and see the commercial value in it,” said Summerfield.

“We hope to grow to seven days a week, but will start with Thursday through Sunday flights,” said Summerfield. 

Unlike traditional commercial flights, the route operates private terminal to private terminal, departing from Tropic Ocean Airways at Sheltair Aviation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and arriving at Signature Aviation’s private terminal in Key West next to Key West International Airport, so passengers bypass commercial terminals and crowds entirely.

Tropic Ocean Airways has amphibious aircraft, said Summerfield, that can land on water or on a runway. The airline will soon introduce private charter water landings at Perry Marina on Stock Island in Key West, with boat transfers to the marina until a dedicated seaplane dock is completed. 

“Water landings is our specialty,” said Summerfield. “We are working on building a seaplane dock at Perry Marina.”

Unlike the scheduled Fort Lauderdale-Key West flights, the private charter seaplane service allows guests to approach Key West by water. Tropic Ocean Airways is working with Integra Investments to construct a seaplane dock at Perry Marina. 

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Tropic Ocean Airways provides private charter and scheduled flights throughout Florida, the Caribbean, and beyond. The airline has 10 aircraft and flies to 72 destinations. Each aircraft seats eight passengers and two pilots, said Summerfield.

Tropic Ocean Airways was founded in 2009 by military veterans Rob Ceravolo and Nick Veltre. The airline has about 30 pilots and 75-80 total employees, said Summerfield.

“We do a lot of flights to the Bahamas,” said Summerfield. “The Florida Keys is a natural expansion. It makes it super easy and convenient, as opposed to driving.”

Tropic Ocean Airways passengers enjoy all the perks of private aviation, per Summerfield, such as arrive just 30 minutes before departure, receive complimentary valet and multi-day parking, baggage allowance with every seat, access to a private lobby with Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages, and pet-friendly travel.

“For South Floridians, Key West is close enough for a getaway, but the drive can make even a short trip feel like a commitment,” said Jason Schmidt, CEO of Tropic Ocean Airways. “We saw an opportunity to deliver a unique experience and make Key West feel dramatically closer. Travelers can leave Fort Lauderdale in the morning, be in Key West about an hour later and even return home that evening.”

For those looking to squeeze a little island time into a single day, the airline’s new “Keys in a Day” experience offers roundtrip flights for $500 per person, with eight hours to explore Key West before returning home that evening. Arrive in Key West at 9 a.m. and depart at 5:30 p.m.

For more information or to book flights, visit FlyTropic.com. 

NEW AIRPORT DISPLAYS 

New, larger-than-life digital displays welcome guests at Key West International Airport’s Concourse A.

The digital billboards bring the islands alive with images of marine life and sweeping aerial views of the Seven Mile Bridge and Islamorada.

Designed to welcome arriving passengers and give departing visitors another reason to return, the immersive displays can be updated with new imagery for special events and seasons.

The airport worked with audiovisual company Electrosonic to bring the project to Key West, per a news release.

The latest visual addition comes as the airport celebrates record passenger traffic, surpassing 1 million passengers for the year in July 2026, the earliest it has ever reached that mark.

MARATHON AIRPORT UPDATE  

At Marathon International Airport, fixed base operator Million Air Florida Keys is targeting completion of its new $4 million 5,460-square-foot passenger facility expansion by late December.

The new building is part of Million Air’s strategy to enhance services for private aviation clients and expand the company’s services in the Middle Keys.

Million Air has operated in Marathon since 2022 with its acquisition of the former Marathon Jet Center. The Texas-based aviation company’s Keys operations include U.S. Customs services, catering, vehicle rentals, a pilot lounge, conference facilities and aircraft arrival hospitality offerings.

Million Air also completed a $5 million fuel farm in Marathon earlier this year. Visit millionair.com or call 305-743-1995.