Jaeger
November 12th, 2006, 06:39 PM
http://icthewharf.icnetwork.co.uk/thewharf/headlines/tm_headline=seaplane-operator-looks-to-introduce-thames-flights-for-2012%26method=full%26objectid=18065606%26siteid=71670-name_page.html
Seaplane operator looks to introduce Thames flights for 2012
Nov 8 2006
SEAPLANES could become a regular sight in Docklands by 2012 if a new idea gets off the ground.
A DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane took off from Royal Victoria Dock on a demonstration flight this week.
The flight was part of a feasibility study into seaplane operations from the Thames by AirSea Lines. The company operates scheduled seaplane services between eight Greek locations in the Ionian Sea and Brindisi in Italy.
AirSea Lines president and chief executive Steven Earle said: "We are studying domestic passenger flights from lakes, rivers and harbours across the UK, and can foresee up to 50 AirSea seaplanes operating in the UK in time for the 2012 London Olympics.
"The potential market for a seaplane operation in the UK is huge.
"Passengers will be able to fly from the River Thames to the Cardiff Bay Barrage in less than an hour for the price of petrol for the car journey which would take three hours."
The idea is just the latest innovative suggestion prompted by London 2012.
London City Airport chief executive Richard Gooding mooted plans to site an east London heliport near the Thames earlier this year, while a scheme to turn Convoys Wharf at Deptford into a cruise ship terminal could provide extra accommodation.
Seaplane operator looks to introduce Thames flights for 2012
Nov 8 2006
SEAPLANES could become a regular sight in Docklands by 2012 if a new idea gets off the ground.
A DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane took off from Royal Victoria Dock on a demonstration flight this week.
The flight was part of a feasibility study into seaplane operations from the Thames by AirSea Lines. The company operates scheduled seaplane services between eight Greek locations in the Ionian Sea and Brindisi in Italy.
AirSea Lines president and chief executive Steven Earle said: "We are studying domestic passenger flights from lakes, rivers and harbours across the UK, and can foresee up to 50 AirSea seaplanes operating in the UK in time for the 2012 London Olympics.
"The potential market for a seaplane operation in the UK is huge.
"Passengers will be able to fly from the River Thames to the Cardiff Bay Barrage in less than an hour for the price of petrol for the car journey which would take three hours."
The idea is just the latest innovative suggestion prompted by London 2012.
London City Airport chief executive Richard Gooding mooted plans to site an east London heliport near the Thames earlier this year, while a scheme to turn Convoys Wharf at Deptford into a cruise ship terminal could provide extra accommodation.