Where the sky meets the sea

Cape Air and IFAW unveil a whale of a plane

This day of blue skies and July warmth bore witness to a partnership between two prominent Cape-based organizations. Today, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Cape Air unveiled what they call a "whale of a dream".

Today's unveiling was an homage to Cape Cod, animals and whales specifically. Cape Air and IFAW collaborated to create a plane festooned with whales. The plane landed on an off-shoot of the Barnstable Airport to a torrent of applause.  Cape Air owner, Dan Wolf, piloted the  colorful vessel with IFAW founder, Fred O'Regan as his passenger.

The small airplane was painted by Jurëk Zamoyski, a Polish native, who calls the Cape his home.  Whether you know it or not, you may be familiar with Jurëk's work--he painted the purloined whale--the Whale Trail piece stolen and then recovered by the Barnstable Police Department  just a month or so ago.

Jurëk's work is also displayed on other Cape Air planes as part of their "Art in Flight" program.  According to Cape Air president and CEO Dan Wolf, Jurëk has painted several of their planes with motifs that include Nantucket daffodils and sports teams and a Provincetown/Boston themed aircraft for that over the bay route.

As the vibrant blue plane landed and approached the Cape Air hangar, onlookers marveled at the design.  The plane depicts whales in motion and Mr. O' Regan remarked that as he watched Jurëk paint the design, he was amazed at how he captured the poetic movement of the humpback.

The "whale" plane, a Cessna 402, which will fly routes on the Cape, Florida and the Caribbean, comes just in time as this is being touted as a banner year for whale sightings in the bay.  Each local whale tour company has confirmed an abundance of whales and whale sightings in Cape Cod Bay due largely to the high levels of their favorite food--the sand eel. 

Although there may be a whale-watching boon locally, O'Regan cautions that the gentle giants are still in danger--especially in light of recent international whale hunting news.  Both Wolf and O"Regan agree that awareness is key when fighting for animal rights.  The airplane is intended to raise awareness and it is estimated that it will be seen by thousands of locals and visitors alike.

Also on hand for the dedication was Corinne Young of Congressman William Delahunt's office. Ms. Young, speaking on behalf of the Congressman who was in Washington, DC, applauded the efforts of both Cape-based organizations.   Ms. Young also commented on Delahunt's support of locally-owned businesses and his dedication to saving whales via anti-hunting and ship-strike laws and regulations.

To learn more about helping the world's animals visit IFAW here.
To book a flight to the island, Florida or the Caribbean aboard Cape Air, click here.

Above photos by M. Kulbokas.  Center photo, from left to right: Jurëk, Dan Wolf and Fred O'Regan.