Commuter plane getting ready for take-off
Australia’s first boat-plane may soon be skimming the water between Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.
The Sea-bus eight-seater craft is expected to take next-generation commuting from Geelong to Melbourne to a whole new level, in a journey taking 27 minutes, while flying 2m above the water.
The Geelong project, financed by Marrdrake, is looking promising, according to developer Barry Miller. He said:
Miller hopes to have 12 craft within two years, with plans in place for a 22-seater. The Sea-bus looks like a flying boat but stays in ‘ground effect’ while in flight, taking advantage of the air cushion between the water and the wing. This enables a reduction of power and a saving of fuel by approximately two thirds.
The project has already been embraced by the Melbourne and Geelong port authorities, with approval for a portable dock in Geelong given in principle. Mr Miller anticipates the ease and speed of travel times will appeal to commuters, especially white collar workers. Roger Grant, Geelong Otway Tourism CEO, praised the project’s novelty appeal for visitors.
The Sea-bus boat planes gained approval status within international regulations in 2005. This venture could well be the first of many similar enterprises in Australia; a country surrounded by water, with links between satellite cities near major centres an obvious area for future expansion.
Melbourne print companies will appreciate the opportunity to be part of the strategy, through banner printing and associated materials, while brochure printers are also ready to provide eye-catching products.
The Sea-bus eight-seater craft is expected to take next-generation commuting from Geelong to Melbourne to a whole new level, in a journey taking 27 minutes, while flying 2m above the water.
The Geelong project, financed by Marrdrake, is looking promising, according to developer Barry Miller. He said:
“We’re capable of making eight of these craft per year, possibly more if we get a sizeable factory.”
Miller hopes to have 12 craft within two years, with plans in place for a 22-seater. The Sea-bus looks like a flying boat but stays in ‘ground effect’ while in flight, taking advantage of the air cushion between the water and the wing. This enables a reduction of power and a saving of fuel by approximately two thirds.
The project has already been embraced by the Melbourne and Geelong port authorities, with approval for a portable dock in Geelong given in principle. Mr Miller anticipates the ease and speed of travel times will appeal to commuters, especially white collar workers. Roger Grant, Geelong Otway Tourism CEO, praised the project’s novelty appeal for visitors.
The Sea-bus boat planes gained approval status within international regulations in 2005. This venture could well be the first of many similar enterprises in Australia; a country surrounded by water, with links between satellite cities near major centres an obvious area for future expansion.
Melbourne print companies will appreciate the opportunity to be part of the strategy, through banner printing and associated materials, while brochure printers are also ready to provide eye-catching products.