ndia's booming domestic commercial aviation market is often taken as a sign of the untapped potential of other aviation segments related to regional air travel, business aviation, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and more lately seaplane operations. India has always been considered an ideal territory for seaplane operations due to its long coastline and many island chains in addition to riverine terrain in many parts of the country. When combined with the use of seaplanes for regional air travel and tourism, there appears to be a natural synergy for their growth in India.
Seaplane operations have been in the news for over a decade, having first started in the Andamans in 2010, when state-owned Pavan Hans began 'Jal Hans' operations with a single Cessna Caravan 208 nine seater aircraft. At the time, Pawan Hans had stated that by 201213, the number of such aircraft operating all across India could grow to between 20 to 40 aircraft. Pawan Hans had taken the amphibious aircraft on wet lease but the pilot project closed down in six months as it was unviable.
In the recent years, the Government of India and Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) have been making strenuous efforts to accelerate the growth of seaplane operations in India. In a major milestone, it was in October 2020 that a seaplane service was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi between Kevadia and Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. India has a 7517 km long coastline and an extensive network of rivers and lakes, which present a unique opportunity for the development of seaplane operations as a viable business model and one that can boost regional transport and tourism. However, sustaining seaplane operations and making them commercially viable has been an issue for over a decade now.
Policy Drive
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2024-Ausgabe von Cruising Heights.
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UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF BUSINESS JETS IN AN ENCOURAGING MARKET
India's business jet market is witnessing growth, fueled by rising UHNWIS and increasing private jet demand. Yet, challenges like high operational costs, inadequate infrastructure, and unclear fractional ownership policies hinder its full potential, explains R. CHANDRAKANTH
Durable Solutions for Runway Construction
Durable runway and highway construction can be achieved by promoting advanced solutions like Performance Grade (PG) binders and leveraging NABL-accredited laboratories to design pavement that can withstand the challenges of aggressive climatic conditions and heavy traffic loads. This ensures long-lasting, climate-adaptable, ESG-compliant, and sustainable infrastructure while advocating for policy changes and innovation. In this interaction with SUBHENDU KUNDU, General Manager of Marketing & Branding of Hindustan Colas, these pressing issues and forward-looking solutions are discussed in detail.
BEYOND FUNCTIONALITY DESIGNING AIRPORTS FOR EXTENDED PASSENGER STAYS
Airports today are redefining functionality with immersive designs that blend green aesthetics, local culture, and retail-focused layouts. By encouraging extended passenger stays, they transform travel into an engaging experience, observes RASHEED KAPPAN
MERGER OF EQUALS
Vistara has flown into the sunset following its merger with Air India, marking a significant step in the Tata Group's ambitious aviation transformation. As MIKE RAJKUMAR notes, while the merger brings opportunities for growth with an expanded fleet and network, it also poses challenges in preserving Vistara's service ethos and navigating complex integration processes
WAITING TO TAKE OFF
India's coastline and waterways present immense potential for seaplane operations, particularly for regional connectivity and tourism, yet seaplane operations are yet to take-off despite many attempts. While challenges like infrastructure and commercial viability persist, strong government initiatives, including revised regulations and financial support, are required to establish a sustainable seaplane ecosystem, examines ATUL CHANDRA
TRANSFORMING ATM WITH REMOTE TOWERS AND SWIM
Remote-control towers and SWIM technology offer cost-effective solutions for managing small airports, enhancing data sharing, efficiency, and scalability while aligning with global aviation standards, explains DR. ARJUN SINGH
REVIVING MAMNOOR AIRPORTI TELANGANA'S GATEWAY TO REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY
Mamnoor Airport, once India's largest pre-Independence airport, is set for a transformative revival, marking a significant milestone for Telangana's aviation sector. With ₹205 crore sanctioned for expansion, the airport aims to accommodate international aircraft and boost connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in the region, reports NIDHI SHARMA
KERALA'S AVIATION EXPANSION PROGRESS AMIDST CHALLENGES
Four international airports and a fifth on the way mark Kerala's aviation growth, but financial struggles and safety concerns reveal that all is not well, uncovers RASHEED KAPPAN
A LANDMARK IN FLIGHT SIMULATOR TRAINING
SIMAERO AND HAVELSAN FORGE A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
INDIGO FUNNELS HOLIDAY TRAFFIC THROUGH BENGALURU
IndiGo is establishing Bengaluru as a strategic hub, connecting high-spending local travelers to international leisure destinations like Bali and Langkawi. With its market-stimulating fares and expanding infrastructure, the airline is tapping into Bengaluru's potential as a gateway for holiday traffic, highlights AMEYA JOSHI