Tropic Ocean Airways has announced scheduled flights between Fort Lauderdale and Key West beginning November 27, operating entirely through private aviation terminals and bypassing commercial airport facilities at both ends.
Flights depart from Tropic Ocean Airways at Sheltair Aviation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and arrive at Signature Aviation at Key West International Airport (EYW). Passengers arrive 30 minutes before departure and receive complimentary valet parking, baggage allowance, access to a private lobby with Wi-Fi and refreshments, and pet-friendly travel.
The approximately one-hour flights will operate Thursday through Sunday, with one-way fares starting at US$199. A same-day return option, Keys in a Day, is priced at US$500 per person roundtrip, giving passengers around eight hours in Key West.
“We saw an opportunity to deliver a unique experience and make Key West feel dramatically closer,” said Jason Schmidt, CEO of Tropic Ocean Airways. “Travelers can leave Fort Lauderdale in the morning, be in Key West about an hour later and even return home that evening.”
Tropic Ocean Airways is also introducing private charter water landings at The Perry Marina on Stock Island, with a dedicated seaplane dock under construction in partnership with Integra Investments. Until the dock is completed, charter guests arriving by seaplane will transfer to the marina by boat.
Preview service will be available during Key West’s Fantasy Fest weekends on October 16-18 and October 23-25. Tropic Ocean Airways describes itself as the world’s largest commercial amphibious airline, founded in 2009 and holding an ARGUS Gold safety rating.
