New routes planned for seaplanes

Routes could operate between Wales, London and Cumbria

Planes which land on water could soon be used to transport holiday makers to north Wales from across the UK, if a flight company's plans go ahead.

AirSea Lines already operates flights to the Greek Islands using the aircraft known as seaplanes which can land on lakes, estuaries and in bays.

One of the areas being considered is Snowdonia, for the tourist market.

The company said it was in preliminary talks but a service could be launched sometime in 2008.

The routes could run between Wales, London and Cumbria, with the Canadian-owned company planning further expansion throughout Europe.

It said little infrastructure was needed to run the flights, and there would be minimal impact on local surroundings.

We can use lakes, estuaries, bays and even rivers Walter Stark, vice-president

Walter Stark vice-president of AirSea Lines UK said the proposal was very much at a preliminary stage and the company had not identified any specific landing sites.

"We are looking at the more inaccessible areas of north Wales, for the tourist market. We can use lakes, estuaries, bays and even rivers," said Mr Stark.

"We are an established company and our services in the Greek islands have been a great success.

"We need to talk to all the stakeholders in north Wales and begin to look at the detail but I would hope we would be able to launch a service sometime in 2008," he added.