In The News – ‘Not just a ski shuttle’: First electric flying ferry in U.S. hopes to cut commutes for Tahoe locals, increase business across shores
November 30, 2024 | Kristin Derrin
Originally published in the Sierra Sun, 11/29/2024, Written by Eli Ramos
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Local company FlyTahoe is pairing with Swedish tech company Candela to bring the first electric flying ferry to the shores of Lake Tahoe. CEO and founder of FlyTahoe Ryan Meinzer anticipates the unique vessel to start business at the end of 2025, but has high hopes for the impacts the Candela P-12 will bring to the Basin.
Meinzer, a self-proclaimed snowboard fanatic and entrepreneur, said, “Tahoe is my favorite place on the planet.” And for the past 15 years, he says he’s seen issues in transit and traffic throughout the Tahoe basin that impact not only commutes, but the clarity of the lake. “I’ve been thinking about solving this problem for a long time.”
Now, he feels the cutting-edge technology that Candela creates makes that solution a reality. “The hydrofoil technology lowers operational expenses and makes this a profitable enterprise. It’s a rare opportunity to be able to combine purpose and profit like this,” said Meinzer.
Photo credit: Tahoe Daily Tribune