Ajman: A private company has launched a seaplane flight between Ajman and Dubai for tourists and residents.
The inaugural seaplane flight took off on Wednesday from Al Zora Marina, with Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, chairman of Ajman Tourism Development Department, on board.
The nine-seater Cessna Caravan amphibian seaplane will have daily flights from Ajman to Dubai Creek at 8.30am.
The 17-minute, one-way flight will cost Dh995 per head, however, tourists and residents could also charter the aircraft for Dh11,500 for a trip to various locations including Jebel Ali, Yas Island, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
A fleet of three aircraft operated by Seawings, a firm that already runs seaplane flights out of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will fly between the two emirates.
Speaking to Gulf News, Stuart Wheeler, CEO of Seawings, said the flight will offer tourists a new scenic option to travel from Ajman to Dubai.
“This will be a completely new experience for people from Ajman to travel to Dubai. Passengers will be able to see the coast and the aerial view of Ajman and Dubai,” said Wheeler, whose firm has been operating the seaplanes in the UAE for the last 10 years.
Gulf News was on board the inaugural flight that took off from the recently developed Al Zora Marina, leaving behind the mangrove forest that surrounds the resort.
The short flight first hit the coast of Ajman and then flew along the coastline of Sharjah, entered Dubai presenting a mesmerising aerial view of Ajman and Sharjah skylines.
After entering Dubai’s airspace, the aircraft then flew over Port Rashid, Bur Dubai, Zabeel and Jaddaf offering a teasing view of Dubai’s Shaikh Zayed Road skyline.
Flying at an altitude of 200 metres and achieving a maximum speed of 270kmph, the flight landed at the Dubai Creek Gulf Club.
The Cessna Caravan with its wide windows and high wings offers unhindered views of the scenes below.
“The seaplane trips are perfect for sightseeing trips. We do more than 20 flights daily from Dubai, flying 40,000 passengers annually. The flights from Ajman land at Dubai Creek, right into the heart of Dubai,” said Wheeler.
The 45-minute Dubai city flights cost Dh1,650 per head, flying over Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and culminates at Deira Creek after circling around Burj Khalifa.
The five-days-a-week Abu Dhabi flights also cost Dh1,650, which starts from Dubai Creek and ends at Yas Island and includes an Abu Dhabi city tour and Ferrari World tickets.
