FLOAT, a startup that plans to start offering commuter
flights within Southern California in January, will partner with regional
airline Southern Airways.
Southern will provide aircraft, pilots and mechanics. FLOAT
(Fly Over All Traffic) will be a membership airline. As its name suggests, the
airline is marketing itself as a solution for individuals subjected to commutes
of at least 90 miles on the notoriously clogged roadways of Southern
California.
FLOAT says it will utilize a network of nearly 40 general
aviation airports. The company is offering promotional monthly memberships
starting at $1,250, depending on the routes customers plan to fly. Regular
memberships displayed on the FLOAT website cost $1,500 to $2,800 per month, depending
on the route.
Flights will be operated in nine-seat Cessna Grand Caravan
propeller planes owned by Southern Airways. Each flight is to be manned by two
pilots. The flights will be operated Monday through Friday.
FLOAT will launch operations with two aircraft and is asking
potential customers to provide input on the routes they’d like to fly on its
website, FloatShuttle.com.
FLOAT spokeswoman Lisa Walker said the company has thus far
received input from approximately 3,000 people.
Even prior to the partnership announcement, Southern Airways
had a strong connection to FLOAT. Southern’s president of Pacific operations, Rob
McKinney, is one of three FLOAT founders.
Southern Airways flies nine-seat planes on networks in the
Southeast as well as in Hawaii under subsidiary Mokulele Airlines.