PassionAir
A historic United States scheduled seaplane operator known for short links between South Florida and the Bahamas; it ceased operations in 2007.
About PassionAir
The supplied IATA code OP, ICAO code CHK, legal name Chalk's International Airlines and website identify the former US carrier commonly known as Chalk's Ocean Airways, rather than the active Ghanaian airline PassionAir. Founded in 1917 by Arthur “Pappy” Chalk, the operator became closely associated with scheduled seaplane travel between Florida and the Bahamas. Its ownership and branding changed several times during its long history.
Chalk's principal operating base was the Miami Seaplane Base on Watson Island. Its compact network focused on short overwater services linking Miami and, at various times, Fort Lauderdale with destinations in the Bahamas. Bimini was among its best-known destinations, while Nassau and nearby Paradise Island also featured in its historical network. These routes primarily served leisure travellers and residents needing direct links across the Florida Straits.
The airline was particularly identified with Grumman G-73 Mallard amphibious aircraft, including extensively modified turbine-powered examples. These aircraft could operate from both conventional runways and water, enabling service to waterfront terminals. The small fleet did not offer the multiple cabin classes associated with larger airlines; passengers instead received a specialised, small-aircraft experience in a compact cabin with operational constraints typical of seaplane travel.
Chalk's did not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, and it is not known to have operated a conventional frequent-flyer programme. Its independent regional model relied on point-to-point traffic rather than alliance connections, codeshare networks or extensive loyalty benefits. Because the airline is no longer operating, its former flight code, website and branding should not be treated as representing a bookable carrier today.
The airline's defining strength was its unusual waterfront-to-waterfront service, which offered a distinctive alternative to conventional airport travel on short Florida–Bahamas journeys. Its history was severely affected by the fatal loss of Flight 101 in December 2005. Subsequent scrutiny, operational interruptions and financial difficulties followed, and the carrier ultimately ceased operations in 2007. Travellers researching current flights should not confuse it with Ghana's PassionAir, a separate airline with different identifiers and operations.
Good to know
Flying with PassionAir — what to expect
No Longer Operating
The carrier associated with codes OP and CHK ceased operations in 2007. Its former services cannot be booked today.
Identity Requires Care
These identifiers belong to Chalk's International Airlines, not Ghana's active PassionAir. Check the operating carrier and airport details carefully when researching historical records.
Historic Seaplane Service
Chalk's used amphibious aircraft on short routes between South Florida and the Bahamas. Its waterfront operations differed substantially from conventional airport services.
No Current Baggage Policy
There is no current carry-on or checked-baggage allowance because the airline is inactive. Historical small-aircraft limits should not be applied to another carrier.
No Loyalty Programme
Chalk's is not known to have offered a conventional frequent-flyer programme. No current mileage earning or redemption options are available.
Route network
Popular routes operated by PassionAir
Notable destinations on PassionAir's network.
Destination list is indicative of PassionAir's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
PassionAir — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Availability depends on whether the intended airline is currently operating and listed by participating booking providers.
- Tickets are not available for the airline represented by codes OP and CHK because it ceased flying in 2007. For another airline using the PassionAir name, compare fares by date and verify the carrier's identifiers before booking.
- The airline represented by codes OP and CHK was based primarily at the Miami Seaplane Base on Watson Island. It ceased operations in 2007 and has no current hub.
- The airline identified in the supplied details no longer flies. Chalk's historically linked South Florida with Bahamian destinations including Bimini and the Nassau area.
- It currently serves no destinations because operations ended in 2007. Its historical network was small and changed over time.
- There are no current departures. Historically, Miami Seaplane Base was the principal departure point, with Fort Lauderdale also featuring in the airline's network at times.
- No current allowance applies because the airline is inactive. Its small amphibious aircraft historically required tighter baggage controls than typical mainline aircraft, but travellers should not rely on obsolete limits.
- No current longest route exists because the airline is no longer operating. Its historical flying concentrated on short services between South Florida and the Bahamas, and a precise longest sector cannot be stated confidently.