Seaplanes could soon be operating on the Swan River

Seaplanes could soon be operating out of Perth for the first time in decades.

The State Government has approved a 12-month trial allowing seaplanes to land on the Swan River near South Perth, and take up to 10 passengers to W-A tourist hotspots like Rottnest Island and Margaret River.

The operators, Catalina Airlines, still need final approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority but expect to start operating early next year.

Business owner Mack McCormack says the approval process has been drawn out and difficult, and he is pleased the project has now been given the green light.

"We're a little bit over-awed, it's taken us about 12 months to finally get the approval so we're delighted," he said.

Source:   http://www.abc.net.au