The Blue Dolphin Wingships are a high-speed craft that works off ground effect over water, called wing-in-ground-effect, to transport up to 12 passengers.

The service will change the economy of Southeast communities with a novel transportation option, said University of Southeast Alaska Chancellor John Pugh.

Among other things, UAS will support the new venture with campus facilities for training operators and maintenance crews for the vessels. Pacific Seaflight will train more than 400 operators and mechanics over the next three years.

PHOTO/Bob Tkacz/For the Journal

Wingship service could contribute greatly to a more efficient, more reliable and less expensive way to transport people and cargo between communities often hampered by weather or expense, according to Juneau Mayor Bruce Botelho.

“Application of this technology is especially appropriate for our coastal environment because of its speed and reliability,” Botelho said.

Wingships fly just above the water's surface. Unlike a hydrofoil or hovercraft, the Blue Dolphin is supported on a dynamic cushion of air between the water and the vessel's hull.

The Blue Dolphin uses fuel at 11 gallons per hour, is more economical and eco-friendly. It is just as fast - at 110 miles per hour - as fixed wing aircraft but with a 30 percent savings on the cost of the ticket, said Pacific Seaflight President Linus Romey.

It is far less susceptible to cancellations due to poor weather, and will be more convenient and timely than the ferry system, he said.

Wingships also are less disruptive to wildlife than other options, with noise levels coming in at less than that of a dump truck. The craft has no wake and no underwater impacts, Romey said.

The craft looks like a boat with wings and a tail. It has no wheels. Once it reaches 50 miles per hour, it lifts off the water and uses a cushion of air over the water to obtain speeds of more than 100 mph.

This model was developed from a long line of winged ships used in Russia and the Ukraine for 40 years to transport tourists up and down rivers and across lakes in Siberia.

The city of Haines and the South East Conference have endorsed the new venture - both as a welcomed addition in transportation options but also in the venture's economic potential.

Southeast has air taxi service on a daily basis weather permitting, and ferry service offered at different intervals based on the time of year.

“The Blue Dolphin design and manufacturing process is being inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard,” Romey said. “When the first Wingships are delivered next summer, they will be fully certified as inspected passenger vessels.”

Pacific Seaflight, headquartered in Juneau, will be the only licensed training center for Blue Dolphin crews. UAS will provide the classrooms as well as space for captains and navigators to train on simulators, Romey said.

“This will be a major economic boost in Southeast Alaska, hit hard by a loss of good-paying jobs. People we train will be highly paid, compared to many other local jobs,” Romey said.