Seaplanes Bound for Formentera

Yet another threat to the island

Formentera, 14 November 2024

Isla Air Express, a company based in Palma de Mallorca, has unveiled its project for commercial seaplane flights between the Balearic Islands, which is currently in its trial phase.
Antoni Jiménez Massana, a representative of the company, shared details of this initiative with Radioilla Formentera, explaining that the goal is to establish a network of quick seaplane connections for passengers traveling between the islands.

After securing permits from the Balearic Port Authority and the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), Isla Air Express has started test flights between Palma and Ibiza, aiming to evaluate the best areas for landing and takeoff on both islands.

Following the successful results of these tests in both Palma de Mallorca and the port of Ibiza, Isla Air hopes to receive final approval to launch its business project.

The company has invested nearly seven million euros in this project, which includes the acquisition of seaplanes, logistical infrastructure in the ports of Palma and Ibiza, and the planning of five daily flights. According to the company representative, Isla Air plans to eventually expand its routes to Barcelona, Menorca, and Formentera, offering regular year-round service.

Project Phases

According to information published on Isla Air’s website, the company already owns two Twin Otter seaplanes, each measuring approximately 15×20 meters and with a capacity for 19 passengers plus two pilots. Each passenger could carry a suitcase weighing up to 10 kg, and ticket prices are expected to be similar to those for conventional inter-island flights.

The company’s website outlines a two-phase project:
– In the first phase, the company plans to establish connections between all the Balearic Islands, including Formentera as both an origin and destination in its itineraries.
– In the second phase, the company intends to expand the routes to connect the islands with several mainland ports, keeping Formentera as both a departure and arrival point in these links with the mainland.

Benefits of the Project According to Isla Air

During his interview on Formentera’s public radio, Antoni Jiménez Massana highlighted that the carbon footprint of seaplanes is relatively lower than that of conventional planes. He also explained that the infrastructure required for this type of operation is minimal: all that’s needed is to identify appropriate landing zones on each island and set up pontoons for docking and passenger access. Jiménez Massana further assured that Isla Air’s seaplanes would not impact the posidonia meadows, as they don’t use any type of anchors.

Given the context of the interview in Formentera, the Isla Air representative emphasized the advantages that direct air connections would offer residents, sparing them from the need to travel through Ibiza airport. He also mentioned that, although seaplane flights would be slightly longer than conventional flights, they would provide a direct and convenient alternative for island residents.

No Response from the Consell de Formentera

According to statements made in the interview, Isla Air representatives contacted the president of the Consell Insular de Formentera shortly after the inauguration of Llorenç Córdoba and the coalition government team of Sa Unió, formed by the PP and Compromís.
However, it seems this outreach has received no response from the Consell Insular, which the company has taken to mean there is no institutional interest in supporting the project.

This lack of response from the island’s administration raises doubts about Formentera’s viability as an effective destination in Isla Air’s route network. Although the company’s website lists Formentera as both an origin and a destination for its flights, the absence of institutional backing suggests that the inclusion of the island in these air connections might not materialize in the short or medium term… though who knows what could happen in the long run.

Formentera Doesn’t Need Seaplanes

Since this is my personal blog and I like to share my opinion on some of the topics I discuss, I’ll say that I sincerely hope Formentera does not become either a departure or arrival point for seaplanes from this or any similar project.
I’ve been around long enough to see that what the entrepreneurs behind this project are trying to sell to us residents as an improvement in our quality of life is actually a lucrative source of income, banking on the fame and allure that Formentera holds for many people nowadays.
Although the company representative tried to deny it during the interview on Radioilla, this air connection would inevitably become yet another tourist route, further increasing the pressure on the island, especially during the summer months. And, in my humble opinion, I believe we don’t need this.
I hope that the Consell Insular de Formentera, whoever holds the presidency over the years, opposes this kind of project if it has the authority to decide on such matters.
Formentera doesn’t need seaplanes.