Chalk's International Airlines has received federal government approval to begin scheduled flights on Nov. 9 from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini and Nassau, the Bahamas, using leased planes operated by a Montana carrier.
By the end of January, the carrier hopes to lease additional aircraft to fly from Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach to Tallahassee, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa and Key West and to various destinations in the Bahamas, said Rajan Nair, Chalk's general manager and director of operations.
And in the meantime, the airline is laying plans, in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration, to rebuild its Mallard aircraft to resume seaplane service from Miami's Watson Island, Nair said.
The plans underscore Chalk's strategy to restore the Fort Lauderdale-based seaplane venture to full service and to expand -- nearly a year after a deadly crash.
A Chalk's seaplane burst into flames and crashed in the water off Miami Beach en route to Bimini on Dec. 19, when its right wing broke off. All 20 people on board were killed.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which has not yet released its final report on the crash, has said both wings had metal fatigue cracks where they were attached to the fuselage. The agency is also investigating whether the aging plane received adequate inspections and maintenance.
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By the end of January, the carrier hopes to lease additional aircraft to fly from Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach to Tallahassee, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa and Key West and to various destinations in the Bahamas, said Rajan Nair, Chalk's general manager and director of operations.
And in the meantime, the airline is laying plans, in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration, to rebuild its Mallard aircraft to resume seaplane service from Miami's Watson Island, Nair said.
The plans underscore Chalk's strategy to restore the Fort Lauderdale-based seaplane venture to full service and to expand -- nearly a year after a deadly crash.
A Chalk's seaplane burst into flames and crashed in the water off Miami Beach en route to Bimini on Dec. 19, when its right wing broke off. All 20 people on board were killed.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which has not yet released its final report on the crash, has said both wings had metal fatigue cracks where they were attached to the fuselage. The agency is also investigating whether the aging plane received adequate inspections and maintenance.
story here
