Cape Air Begins Fleet Renewal With Its First Tecnam Prop
There are few commercial air travel experiences akin to flying in the right seat, or co-pilot's seat, of a Cape Air Cessna 402 over Massachusetts Bay into Boston Logan.
Travelers best hurry up though, because the experience will disappear in the next several years.
Cape Air accepted the first two of 100 Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft earlier in July. The 11-seat prop will eventually replace the 83 Cessna 402s in the fleet of the Hyannis, Massachusetts-based regional carrier — and, sadly, it will also replace passenger rides in the right seat.
However, the Traveller will offer a more comfortable ride to passengers. The aircraft have a larger cabin with more spacious seating, air conditioning, and power and USB ports at every seat, says Cape Air vice-president of marketing Trish Lorino.
The Traveller is only one of the new aircraft that Cape Air aims to renew its fleet with. In 2022, it plans to introduce the all-electric "Alice" by Israel's Eviation Aircraft.
When Cape Air passengers can begin flying on the Traveller is still, pun intended, up in the air. While European authorities certified the aircraft in December, the airline is still awaiting the US Federal Aviation Administration's signoff.
The first two Cape Air Travellers must wait in Europe — Tecnam is based in Capua, Italy — until the FAA certifies the aircraft before they can fly to the US, says Lorino.
That is a sigh of relief for passengers who want to fly in the right seat on a Cape Air flight. They still have some time, likely a few years, before the Cessnas completely disappear from the carrier's fleet.
View this post on Instagram
Cape Air is best known for its service to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard (MVY) and Nantucket (ACK) from Boston Logan (BOS). However, in recent years the airline has grown to serve eight additional points in the Northeast. It also has a base for Caribbean services in San Juan (SJU), Midwest flights in St. Louis (STL), Montana routes in Billings (BIL).
The airline began flying to New York JFK from Nantucket on a seasonal basis last October.
American Airlines, JetBlue Airways and United Airlines codeshare with Cape Air on some of its flights, allowing some mileage earning and redemption opportunities.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.