Cape Air approved to start seasonal Norwood service to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard

The North Airport Commission voted May 21, 2025, to grant Cape Air a commercial permit to operate seasonal scheduled flights from Norwood to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

Cape Air representatives told the commission they propose scheduled departures on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays with two round trips during the service days, and that Flight Level Aviation would provide ground handling at Norwood. Chuck Ferreira, Vice President of Corporate and Airport Affairs for Cape Air, said the carrier would staff the operation locally and follow federal security requirements for small-aircraft operations.

The proposal matters because it would provide a local air alternative to traveling to Logan International Airport or taking ferries. Matt Reinhart, Vice President of Airport Services for Cape Air, said Norwood is a “natural access point” for island traffic and cited demand patterns to both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

Cape Air described equipment and operations planned for the route. The carrier said it expects to use the Tecnam P2012 Traveler on the Norwood service and that Flight Level would handle ground services and initial passenger processing. Ferreira said Cape Air complies with federal Transportation Security Administration rules that allow non‑sterile operations for smaller aircraft and that passengers are vetted against federal watch lists during booking: “The TSA regulations allow for a non sterile operations for aircraft under a certain number of seats … so we comply with federal regulations,” he said.

Commission members asked about community impacts and operational details. Commission member John noted local concern about “airplane noise,” and Cape Air representatives said they had discussed local noise procedures with their chief pilot and would observe community sensitivity and the airport's noise procedures. Harry West, identified in the meeting as the airport’s air traffic manager, asked about the possibility of adding additional sections (extra flights) if demand grows; Cape Air said additional sections would be considered if the market warranted it and that the airline would coordinate scheduling with airport staff.

After the presentation the commission moved to approve Cape Air, Inc. d/b/a Cape Air as a commercial permit holder in Norwood for 2026. The motion was approved by voice vote and the permit was presented to company representatives at the meeting.

Operational follow-up: Cape Air agreed to provide requested operational details to airport staff, including answers about flight‑planning procedures and staffing, and airport staff said they would receive contact information for follow-up coordination.