Also, while we're talking academically, floatplanes cannot conduct an IFR or night operation, due to approach and landing area requirements.
In an area that is absolutely packed with floatplane operators, the Helijet S76 service from downtown Vancouver to Victoria BC, a similar distance to the Scilly Isles route but in a more sheltered area of water, exists specifically because it is the only way to do an IFR or night service to a non runway environment.
Last edited by inputshaft; 7th Jan 2015 at 11:01.