TACOMA, Wash. — The Puyallup Tribe and Kenmore Air announced a partnership Tuesday that will bring seaplane operations to tribal lands in south Puget Sound. The tribe's governing body said this is a first-of-its-kind alliance for the region.
“No other Tribe in our country has an operation like this,” a statement from Puyallup Tribal Council, the Tribe’s governing body, read. “With Kenmore Air, we’re opening up Tacoma to the Northwest and the Northwest to Tacoma.”
A new dock and terminal will be constructed on property recently purchased by the tribe along Ruston Way in Tacoma.
“We are honored to work with the Puyallup Tribe and thrilled to bring seaplane service to the homelands of the Puyallup people and to South Puget Sound,” said Todd Banks, president of Kenmore Air.
"Kenmore heard us and said hey, we feel you guys. We hear you guys. We want to share in this adventure," Puyallup Tribal Councilman Fred Dillon said.
Initial routes will fly to Victoria, B.C. and the San Juan Islands, with sightseeing and other charter services available out of Tacoma.
"We want to be able to show, you know, everybody our home waters, our homelands. And what better way to do it than flying around," Dillon said.
The new seaplane terminal will be located in the two-acre parcel that is owned by the tribe. The land includes C.I. Shenanigans restaurant, which closed in 2020, and will be renovated into a new, Native and internationally themed restaurant inspired by chef Roy Yamaguchi, according to a news release.
The new dock is slated to open for operations in 2023.
"It's not just beneficial for our people, the tribe, but you know the community at-large," Dillon said.
The partnership also expands the Tribe's casinos and hospitality venues internationally. The Tribe opened the $400 million Emerald Queen Casino in May 2020 in Tacoma, and recently added sports betting at both of its casinos through a partnership with BetMGM.
Per a press release, the Puyallup Tribe is the first in the United States to add seaplane operations to its economic portfolio.