UAE-based Seawings has launched its new seaplane service in co-ordination with Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) to provide a new tourism attraction in the emirate.

The new initiative by the seaplane operator at Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah is to provide sightseeing as well as business-related services, reported the Gulf News.

The sightseeing option, called Heritage Arabia, is a 30-minute tour that will depart from the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and fly over popular tourist attractions in Dubai and Sharjah.

The tickets have been priced at Dh1,195 ($325) for adults and Dh1,095 for children and will include a bus tour in Sharjah and a road transfer back to Dubai, said the report.

The other service, which aims to provide flexible transportation for businesses, is a customised charter service covering 25 destinations within the UAE, including all major airports. It will cost around Dh1,100 per person for a 40-minute ride, the report added.

The Seawings fleet includes three air conditioned seaplanes that have nine passenger seats.

Nigel Rea, the chief operating officer said the company was taking the safety very seriously.

"Our pilots have to have at least 3,000 hours flying experience and we follow the same regulations that commercial airlines follow. Running a seaplane operation is expensive and we won’t compromise on safety by reducing the rates of our services,” remarked Rhea.