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.<\/p>\n
The airline\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cKey West deserves an arrival that feels like the start of the trip, not the end of a long drive,\u201d said Jason Schmidt, the airline\u2019s chief executive officer in the statement. \u201cWhether you book a seat on our scheduled flight or charter the whole aircraft, you get to the island rested and ready to enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 Allegiant, Avelo, Breeze, Delta, JetBlue and United \u2014 are all listed by Key West International as serving the airport. But those airlines\u2019 flights land elsewhere in Florida or out of state.<\/p>\n
Charters using marina<\/p>\n
Tropic Ocean Airways\u2019 private charters are using the Perry Marina, \u201cwhere guests step off close to the marina\u2019s pools, waterfront dining, and easygoing dockside atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n
The water landings are subject to weather, sea conditions, and operational review, according to the airline\u2019s statement. Charter passengers destined for the city\u2019s interior will receive a complimentary transfer to Old Town Key West.<\/p>\n