Introducing Isla Air Express: The New Seaplane Adventure in Spain

Exciting news is on the horizon for travel enthusiasts as Isla Air Express, a fresh aviation venture based in Palma de Mallorca, is gearing up to launch its commercial seaplane services in the upcoming months. With the support of German investors and operating under the Maltese Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of its sister company Mediterranean Coastal Airlines, Isla Air Express is set to soar above the stunning Spanish archipelago of the Balearic Islands using a pair of De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes.

Pilotcenter.net News reports that Klaus Martin, a co-founder of Isla Air Express, previously co-owned another seaplane company, European Coastal Airlines, located at the enchanting Split seaport in Croatia. The airline's inaugural flight marked its beginning, with the appropriately named aircraft 9H-PALMA embarking on its maiden journey from Palma Harbor to Ibiza Town on the vibrant island of Ibiza in the Balearics. This seaplane, which took its first flight in 1978, has been undergoing demonstration and crew training flights, including a recent 35-minute voyage from Palma to Ibiza on November 6, 2024, to evaluate suitable landing and take-off areas for the carrier.

These crucial test flights follow six years of meticulous planning as the company awaits operator permits from both the Balearic Islands Port Authority and the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA). Highlighting the company's vision, the Isla Air Express website states, "We are a team of seasoned aviation professionals looking to introduce commercial seaplane flights to Spain, drawing from our global expertise in this unique form of transportation."

The Balearic Islands, with their idyllic climate and pristine waters, provide an optimal setting for Isla Air Express to revolutionize travel, offering innovative sea-based transportation to both residents and tourists alike. Looking ahead, the airline plans to operate high-frequency flights connecting Palma to the enchanting islands of Ibiza, Formentera, and Menorca. Additionally, there will be inter-island services and flights from Palma and Ibiza to Alicante (ALC) and Valencia (VLC) on the Spanish mainland, facilitated by retractable wheels attached to the Twin Otters' floats for landing on tarmac runways.

With plans for year-round flights, Isla Air Express is poised to bring a new level of convenience and luxury to travelers exploring the Balearic Islands. When not serving its scheduled routes, the carrier will offer the Twin Otters for private charters and scenic flights around the captivating archipelago, enhancing the tourism experience and enriching the region's transportation landscape. Get ready to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey with Isla Air Express – where every flight promises a magical blend of adventure and comfort.