Loch Lomond Seaplanes plans to establish what is believed to be the UK's first seaplane charter service by April to cater for the thriving tourist and golfing markets in Scotland.
The service will be based on the banks of Loch Lomond in central Scotland. "We have completed operational trials consisting of 200 take-offs and landings with a Piper Super Cub, but we will operate a five-seat Cessna Turbo Stationair when the service begins next year," says Loch Lomond Seaplanes founder and managing director, David West.
The aircraft is due for delivery in November and will have a modified exhaust system, West adds, with a Gomolzig silencer fitted to reduce noise by 5dBA.
The operation will be split between scenic tours and fishing trips and the transport of golfers, West adds. For the former, seats will be sold on an individual basis with a target price set at under £100 ($160).
For golfers, whole aircraft charters will be available at a price of around £800. West says that golf tourism in Scotland has become an extremely lucrative business, worth around £120 million to the economy, and golfers are demanding a fast and efficient means of transport between the various courses.
Source: Flight International
