Ever felt the spray of Lake Union on your face? That’s the magic of Kenmore Air Seaplane Terminal. Right here on the shores of Lake Union you’re standing at the heart of a legendary seaplane operation. Kenmore Air started in 1946. It began as a small operation with just one seaplane and a hangar. This was a time when seaplanes were vital for accessing remote areas. Robert Munro Reginald Collins and Jack Mines founded this incredible company. Imagine the daring spirit it took to fly those early planes.
The Kenmore Air Seaplane Terminal has been at its present location since its humble beginnings. It wasn’t always a modern facility. It began as a simple hangar on the shore of Lake Washington. Over the years Kenmore Air grew. It expanded its services to include charter flights and maintenance. The company’s expertise in maintaining and restoring seaplanes became renowned. They even became a dealer for Republic Seabees and Cessnas. The company’s history is rich with stories of risky missions and remarkable feats. Pilots like Jack Mines who tragically lost his life delivering supplies to a rescue team in the Cascades.
Kenmore Air didn’t only fly supplies. They flew scientists to remote glaciers for the US Geological Survey. This was dangerous work demanding skilled pilots. They even transported torpedoes for the US Navy. They also hauled equipment to build mining camps in Alaska. Think about the challenges. Flying huge pieces of equipment into a glacier in the Alaskan wilderness. Those were some of the adventures of the early years of Kenmore Air.
In the 1960s Kenmore Air became famous for its work on the de Havilland Beaver seaplane. They developed an extensive modification and rebuilding program. So much so that modified Beavers are known as Kenmore Beavers worldwide. The company has rebuilt over 125 of these iconic aircraft. This is a testament to their skill and dedication. The Kenmore Air Seaplane Terminal is not just a terminal. It is a testament to perseverance innovation and a rich aviation history. The air around you still hums with the legacy of flight.
Today Kenmore Air operates a large fleet of aircraft. It offers scheduled and charter flights. Their destinations range from the San Juan Islands to Victoria BC. They even offer scenic flights over Seattle. From its humble beginnings to its present success Kenmore Air’s legacy is undeniable. Looking out over Lake Union you can almost see the ghosts of those early pioneers soaring through the sky. Their spirit lives on in the roar of the engines and the splash of the seaplanes landing on the water.