Aeromarine West Indies Airways
| Company type | Private (original), Corporation (new) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Founded | November 1, 1920 (original airline) |
| Defunct | 1924 |
| Fate | Reorganized as Aeromarine Airways in 1921; ceased operations in 1924; revived as new corporation in 2007 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Key people | Inglis Moore Uppercu (president, 1921) |
| Products | Passenger air service, mail delivery, express freight |
Aeromarine West Indies Airways was an American airline that operated between 1920 and 1924, undergoing reorganization as Aeromarine Airways in 1921. A separate entity bearing the same name was established in 2007.
Original airline
The airline originated from the consolidation of Florida West Indies Airways and Aeromarine Sightseeing and Navigation Company—the latter being a division of the Aeromarine aircraft manufacturer—and stood as one of the earliest U.S. carriers providing international service. Flight operations commenced on November 1, 1920, with routes connecting Key West to Havana, utilizing flying boats for travel to the Bahamas and Cuba. From 1921 until early 1924, the airline transported passengers, mail, and cargo before halting operations due to a suspension of U.S. Post Office mail contracts.
In spring 1921, under the leadership of president Inglis Moore Uppercu, a Cadillac dealer based in New York City, the company was restructured as Aeromarine Airways. The airline introduced multiple industry milestones: it launched the first international air mail service in the United States; initiated scheduled passenger flights across international borders; became the first U.S. carrier to offer comprehensive services including passenger transport, mail delivery, and express freight; screened the inaugural in-flight movie (Chicago, August 1921); created the first airline baggage tag (1921); and established the nation's first airline ticket office (Cleveland, July 1922). Its motto was "Speed Safety Comfort". The transoceanic flights employed Felixstowe F5L flying boats named Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, serving locations where alcohol consumption was permitted during early Prohibition. In 1924, the metal-hulled six-passenger Aeromarine AMC was introduced but saw limited use before the airline ceased operations.
New airline
In February 2007, Aeromarine West Indies Airways was revived as a corporation registered in the State of Florida. The new enterprise sought FAA Part 121 Air Carrier certification with plans to begin service by 2012 using vintage flying boats and propliner aircraft. Initial routes were planned to connect St. Augustine, Palm Beach, and Key West. In January 2009, the company acquired the coastal steamship CSS Seminole Wind, designed in a 1920s style, to function as a floating terminal and tender supporting seaplane operations based in St. Augustine. The vessel was also intended to host a public café and retail outlets, complementing Aeromarine’s nostalgic brand identity centered on adventure reminiscent of earlier times.
Accidents and incidents
On January 13, 1923, the Aeromarine 75 aircraft named Columbus suffered engine failure during a flight from Key West to Havana, necessitating an emergency landing in the Florida Strait. Despite turbulent seas causing water ingress into the hull, rescue efforts by the ferry H. M. Flagler saved both crew members and three passengers; unfortunately, four passengers lost their lives.