Tailwind Air loses commuter air carrier certificate amid financial struggles

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Tailwind Air loses commuter air carrier certificate amid financial struggles

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By Sky Industry News

Jan 2, 2025

Tailwind Air, a seaplane operator based in New York, has lost its commuter air carrier certificate, according to a report by ch-aviation. This development follows the company's decision to halt its seaplane operations five months ago due to financial difficulties on various routes.

The airline was known for its service between New York and Boston, utilizing amphibian planes that landed directly in Boston Harbor and at the New York Skyports Seaplane Base. Despite this unique approach, Tailwind Air struggled with profitability. The company officially suspended operations in early August 2024 and sought investors to sustain its commuter model. However, by December 31, 2024, it had reportedly lost its commuter air carrier certificate.

Simple Flying has contacted Tailwind Air for comments on the situation.

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The US Department of Transportation defines a commuter air carrier as an airline operating small aircraft designed for 60 or fewer seats with at least five round-trip flights per week on scheduled routes.

Although all scheduled services have been halted, Tailwind Air continues to operate charter services. In August 2024, CEO Alan Ram told The Boston Globe about discussions with a potential partner to revive the Boston Harbor-New York Skyports service in summer 2024 but those plans did not materialize. Ram remained hopeful about securing an agreement that could bring back seaplanes in 2025.

Despite experiencing a 10% increase in passengers year-over-year and flying over 3,000 passengers annually, most flights were only half-full. Fares typically hovered around $500 per passenger.

Tailwind Air operated both scheduled and chartered services using a fleet that included amphibious Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EXs capable of carrying up to eight passengers each. Additionally, they offered charter services with aircraft such as Dassault Falcon models and Cessna Citation CJ3 among others.

The company served several destinations including Sunset Beach in Shelter Island (SH1), Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR) in Bridgeport, Connecticut; Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK); Plymouth Municipal Airport (PYM); Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC); Newport State Airport (NPT) in Rhode Island; and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia alongside their main routes.