Madison Partners to Launch Seaplane Charter Service

Written by Madison Economic Development Commission Chairman Ryan Duques,

The Madison Economic Development Commission announced today a new partnership that will enable and promote seaplane service from Madison’s beaches to New York City and other destinations. The formal announcement will be made at a press conference at West Wharf Beach in Madison at 1pm, Thursday, September 28.

A seaplane is scheduled to land and take off at the event, demonstrating how the service will be operated. Service will initially be available through Shoreline Aviation, a Tweed New Haven Airport based operation with its original roots in Madison.

Shoreline Aviation, which is owned by Guilford residents John Kelly and Andrea Collingwood, was originally based at Madison’s Griswold Airport. The aviation firm now operates six Cessna 208 Caravans, the largest new amphibious aircraft in production today.

The aircraft can carry nine passengers. Madison-based travel agency, Biehn Travel will facilitate the charter and sight-seeing reservation process. John Biehn, principal of the agency was instrumental in establishing the informal partnership, which enables visitors and residents to travel from the Seaplane Base at East 23rd street in Manhattan to Madison in about 40 minutes. In addition to providing charter service between Manhattan and Madison, the partnership also will allow for scheduling sightseeing trips, charters to Long Island, Block Island, the Cape and more.

“This partnership raises Madison’s visibility among regional travelers, second-home buyers and millennials that are seeking a unique experience to a beautiful community,” said Ryan Duques, chairman of the Madison Economic Development Commission. “This is truly a win-win, with no-cost to the town, highlighting local businesses and encouraging tourism to the region.”

For additional information visit www.MadisonEDC.org

Photos courtesy of the Madison Economic Development Commission