The New York to DC Market Just Got More Competition

Experienced seaplane operator Tailwind Air announced new service directly from Manhattan’s Skyport Marina at East 23rd Street (IATA code: NYS) to Washington, D.C.’s College Park Airport (IATA code: CGS). Flights to/from Manhattan are approximately 80-90 minutes. Tailwind will be the only scheduled air service inside the Beltway outside of DCA. Scheduled service begins September 13, 2022, and will be operated by a fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans featuring two experienced pilots, eight Economy Plus leather seats, aisle and window access, crisp air-conditioning, and an ability to land on water or at an airport.

To celebrate the launch of this milestone route, Tailwind is offering a “buy one seat, and a companion flies with you free” launch promotion. Available only at flytailwind.com until September 10 for all flights on the new route from September 13 through December 21, 2022. To take advantage of this unique offer, enter promo code “TWDCBOGO” when booking. Some restrictions apply—see website for details.

“We’re very excited to be adding Washington, D.C., to our scheduled service,” explained Peter Manice, Tailwind Air cofounder and director of scheduled services. “When factoring in the full journey—one hour and twenty minutes in the air (comparable to DCA-LGA service except with no need to access crowded and congested airports on both ends) or the three hours fifty minutes for the Acela—Tailwind Air will offer the fastest, least stressful,  premium way to travel between DC and Manhattan. That, paired with the unforgettable views, makes this a compelling experience.” 

College Park is a historic, uncongested airport 25 minutes from the Capitol, 18 minutes from Chevy Chase, 25 minutes from Georgetown, and 5 minutes from the University of Maryland. With ample free parking adjacent to the modern terminal building, Uber, Lyft, and taxi availability, and just a short walk to the frequent subway service from College Park Metro station (Green Line) and MARC train station, accessing the airport is a breeze.

New York Skyport (NYS) is Manhattan’s dedicated seaplane base. Located at the eastern end of 23rd Street along the East River, Tailwind Air operates all Manhattan departures from there and has a dedicated climate-controlled lounge for all passengers.

“Bypassing the congestion of the northeast corridor between New York and Washington, DC remains the core mission of Tailwind Air. This new D.C. service complements our existing groundbreaking service between Manhattan and Boston Harbor as well as our numerous summer destinations in the Hamptons and Provincetown,” stated Alan Ram, CEO and cofounder of Tailwind Air.  

Check-in cutoff is just 10 minutes prior to departure. Tailwind Air erases the hassle and expense of commuting via a commercial airport, train, ferry, or rental car. By eliminating the uncertainty of check-in, security, airport congestion, and drive time delays, Tailwind Air reduces stress and delivers memorable and fast solutions on all of our routes. While Tailwind Air’s turboprop seaplane fleet is young—less than five years on average—seaplane travel certainly is not. The Manhattan Skyport opened in 1936 and has been hosting popular seaplane travel for decades. In addition, seaplane operations have been part of the core transportation landscape of cities such as Seattle, Miami, and Vancouver for nearly a hundred years.

With the addition of Washington, D.C., Tailwind Air now serves nine destinations from its Manhattan base. Manhattan destinations are Boston Harbor – Fan Pier Marina (BNH), Washington, D.C. – College Park (CGS), East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Shelter Island, Montauk, Provincetown, Plymouth, and Bridgeport. For commuters, Tailwind Air offers heavily discounted prepaid books of 10, 20, and 50 tickets, which can be shared with colleagues, friends, and family. Learn more at www.flytailwind.com/commuter-books/