Cape Air (9K, Hyannis) has officially confirmed plans to enter the south Floridian seaplane market with initial operations to the Bahamas set to launch on January 16.

The Massachusetts-based regional operator will serve Bimini North SPB from both Fort Lauderdale International (4x daily) and Miami Watson Island (2x daily) using a pair of Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Grand Caravan amphibians operated by partner Resorts World Aviation (Miami Opa-Locka).

In related news, Hawaiian operator Mokulele Airlines (MHO, Kona) has indefinitely deferred its own entry into the Florida Keys/Bahamas market. Flights using fixed-gear Cessna Grand Caravan 208Bs were to have commenced in mid-October but have since been postponed.