About the Twin Otter

As some of you may know, the Twin Otter is not the original "Otter". That distinction belongs to the de Havilland DHC-3 aka Otter. The original Otter was designed to be a rugged short takeoff or landing utility transport aircraft that could connect remote parts of the world without airports to provide crucial passenger, mail, and cargo services. The design was so strong — like a truck and the performance superior to most aircraft today, that some 40 plus years later, there are still over a hundred aircraft in service all over the world.

The success of the Otter spurred de Havilland to design a larger, just as rugged aircraft, with stronger performance characteristics. This design was focused on passenger carriage, safety, and reliability with two engines and pilots for greater performance and safety as well as a longer wider cabin for comfort. Voila — the TWIN Otter was born! Since then just over 800 aircraft have been built — making it one of the most successful regional aircraft ever built with over 600 in service.

Seaborne currently flies 4 "Twins" under FAR Part 121— the strictest code of the Federal Regulations governing US carrier air travel - with two more scheduled for delivery this year. While these aircraft are not new, they have been overhauled close to factory new AND more importantly have been prepared to operate in our harsh salt and rough water environment. Unlike any other aircraft, the Twin Otter's true STOL performance allows it to depart the water in a minimal distance, reducing the punishing effects of waves on the floats and aircraft frame. Time in rough water is also mitigated by the aircraft's heavy duty construction AND the ability to rebuild and replace just about every part.

Once our aircraft are safely in the air over our waters, which can see waves in excess of 20 feet at times during the year, you can count on the assurance of twin engines and twin pilots to get you safely to your destination. The Twin Otter, despite its name, is designed to safely fly with one engine and one pilot. So next time you look at one of our aircraft know that beneath the surface lies the legacy of one tough aircraft — proven over 14 years of service in the Virgin Islands and worldwide to safely fly you back and forth time and time again.