This significantly reduces the travel time to these resort destinations from the usual half day overland/boat trip to - for example - less than 15 minutes to Koh Phi Phi, 20 minutes to Krabi, and 30 minutes to Koh Lanta. Accessibility to the region has taken a huge leap forward!

Passengers board one of Destination Air Shuttle's passenger amphibian aircraft that take off from the runway at Phuket Airport and land on the water in front of their resort.

Destination Air's fleet includes Cessna 208 and 206 aircraft, which are rated as the safest aircraft in the world. They are flown by experienced international pilots individually selected for their many years of safe flight experience as well as their friendly customer service capabilities.

But what about the cost? Is it expensive? Well, it's certainly not cheap. At the time of going to press a regular flight to Koh Phi Phi cost 3,999 Baht each way (there are sometimes special deals going). But think about it: The first flight departs Phuket Airport at 7.00 am and the last flight returns to Phuket at 4.45 pm. Flight time is just 12 minutes!!! You could enjoy two full days on Phi Phi and pay for only one night in a hotel. Go by boat and you'll want at least two nights, maybe three.

Shop WINDOW on Lifestyle asked Pat James, Destination Air Shuttle's Managing Director, a few pertinent questions about his operation:

WINDOW: Why should I fly to Phi Phi or Krabi when I can take a ferry, a speedboat boat or-in the case of Krabi-go by road?

PAT: Destination Air Shuttle's seaplane flights to Phi Phi are not only much faster (it takes three and a half hours by boat), but also much more comfortable - especially in heavy seas. And the views are breathtaking, the experience is unique and - perhaps most importantly-it will add one full day at your destination! No time wasted en route or lost waiting at a pier for your ferry or speed boat; no need to sit for hours cramped in a minibus, at the mercy of traffic. For most people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

WINDOW: Is it safe for my family & I to fly in a small aircraft and land on the water?

PAT: Not only is Destination Air Shuttle's Cessna Caravan extremely safe; it is not small at all! In fact, the Caravan Amphibian is the largest production seaplane in the world. Believe it or not, the cockpit is actually higher than the cockpit of a Boeing 737! Furthermore, it has been rated as one of the world's safest airplanes. It's jet-prop engine provides reliable, quiet and vibration-free power and the airplane's amphibian design allows it to land at airports or on water. It's large, air-conditioned cabin with oversized windows ensures that your flight will also be very comfortable with breathtaking, panoramic views of the scenery below.

WINDOW: Who are the pilots and engineers flying and maintaining Destination Air's aircraft?

PAT: Destination Air Shuttle takes great pride in recruiting only experienced seaplane pilots with a minimum of 1,000 hours of seaplane experience. Our technical support is led by a highly-experienced engineer with an experienced team of highly competent engineers and mechanics.

WINDOW: How early should we arrive for check in before our flight?

PAT: For flights originating at Phuket airport, you need to check-in no later than 30 minutes prior to takeoff time. For flights at other locations, it's the same. You should arrive at the pickup location at least 30 minutes prior to takeoff to allow enough time to get by boat to the aircraft.

WINDOW: How do I meet the plane at Phi Phi, Koh Lanta or Krabi's
Ao Nang?

PAT: Your resort will usually offer free water taxis to the seaplane loading pontoons. These are located 100 metres offshore if seasonal floating piers not available at your resort location. You can also simply arrange for a 'long-tail' water taxi ride to our floating dock at the active landing area.

For more information about Destination Air Shuttle
visit www.destinationair.com
email: booking@destinationair.com or call
+66 (0) 7632 8637-39. After office hours
call +66 (0) 8 5785 1889