Tropic Ocean Airways plans to inaugurate scheduled and private charter service between Key West and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport the day after Thanksgiving, according to a company statement.
The airline’s scheduled flights will start with Thursday through Sunday flights. One-way fares would start at $199. At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, the airline uses a Sheltair Aviation terminal west of the main airport terminal. At Key West International Airport, it is using the Signature Aviation terminal.
“Key West deserves an arrival that feels like the start of the trip, not the end of a long drive,” said Jason Schmidt, the airline’s chief executive officer in the statement. “Whether you book a seat on our scheduled flight or charter the whole aircraft, you get to the island rested and ready to enjoy it.”
Scheduled airline service between South Florida and Key West has been spotty since the demise of Spirit Airlines and Silver Airways. American Airlines operates frequent daily nonstop flights to and from Miami International Airport. Several other carriers — Allegiant, Avelo, Breeze, Delta, JetBlue and United — are all listed by Key West International as serving the airport. But those airlines’ flights land elsewhere in Florida or out of state.
Charters using marina
Tropic Ocean Airways’ private charters are using the Perry Marina, “where guests step off close to the marina’s pools, waterfront dining, and easygoing dockside atmosphere.”
The water landings are subject to weather, sea conditions, and operational review, according to the airline’s statement. Charter passengers destined for the city’s interior will receive a complimentary transfer to Old Town Key West.
The charters can be arranged by visiting flytropic.com/private-charter or by calling 954-210-5569.
“Private charter service to Key West may be requested from departure markets across South Florida and Gulf Coast,” according to the company website. “Routing depends on aircraft availability, distance, weather, passenger count, luggage, landing location, and operational planning. The charter team will help determine the best available option for your specific trip.”
Founded in 2009, Tropic Ocean Airways operates seaplanes for its scheduled and charter flights throughout the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and regional coastal destinations. The airline operates flights to eight destinations in the Bahamas including Nassau and Bimini.
In Florida, the carrier serves Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach, among other cities.
The airline “has a fleet of wheeled and amphibious Cessna Grand Caravans and exclusively operates with a FAA-certified two-pilot crew,” according to its website. The planes seat eight passengers.
To book flights and find information, visit FlyTropic.com.
Airline representatives could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday.