(August 9) - Linear Air, a startup out of Lexington, Massachusetts, is expected to receive FAA approval for carrying Boston-area travelers to Cape Cod. The airline will operate out of Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Linear Air has reportedly raised $3 million from private lenders and investors, and plans to target leisure travelers looking to bypass the inconveniences of regular air travel. Although the carrier plans to compete with Cape Air, it so far has purchased just one plane: a new Cessna Grand Caravan, a small turboprop plane that seats four passengers. Amenities include luxury reclining seats, power outlets, and complimentary snack and beverage service. The company plans to add another Grand Caravan by October, and anticipates adding as many as 13 more planes by the end of 2006.

Because of its FAA designation as a charter carrier rather than a regular airline, Linear cannot offer scheduled service. Instead, it will operate as a shared charter model. The company will post available flights on its Web site, and depending on number of bookings, will either make that flight or open it up to other groups to charter.

Linear plans to offer service to the Cape and islands on weekends, and during the week, to places like New York, Providence, and Pittsburgh. Charters to the Cape and islands will cost about $169 per person each way on the weekends.