IF YOU LOOK AT INDIA'S TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP, YOU WILL realise that India has a long coastal line of thousands of kilometres stretching across nine states and four union territories namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal and Union Territories Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep Islands, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In order to give a final push to the seaplane service, the government in August 2024 released new Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules for seaplanes allowing non-scheduled operators to provide such services. The rules were simplified with the aim to encourage seaplane operations under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SEAPLANE SERVICE IN INDIA
Looking at this huge opportunity, SpiceJet along with Government of Gujrat introduced a seaplane service in October 2020 from Ahmedabad to a famous tourist spot about 200 kilometers away – ‘Kevadia’- home to the new ‘Statue of Unity’ of Former Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Patel.
The new service was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who joined the first flight and took the 50-minute ride from Kevadia to the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. Just as the first flight took off, it was clear that the service was headed for rough waters. It was found that SpiceJet did not have the necessary environmental clearances related to the construction of water aerodromes in both cities. Apart from the regulatory issues, there were serious maintenance issues with the aircraft in operation.
This story is from the Issue 11, 2024 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 11, 2024 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KLM: THE WORLD'S OLDEST AIRLINE STILL GOING STRONG!
In 1930, KLM began scheduled passenger service between Amsterdam and Jakarta. The Fokker F.XII plane took 10 days to reach, including 81 hours of flying time. It was the world's longest scheduled flight before the Second World War.
SPICEJET'S $90 MILLION DEAL WITH CANADIAN Q400 PLANES
SpiceJet has successfully resolved a significant dispute with Bombardier over a fleet of Q400 turboprop planes in the form of a $90 million settlement, marking the end of a prolonged legal battle that also has broader implications for the Indian aviation sector
TAPPING THE UNCHARTED WATERS
Seaplane services are expected to transform regional connectivity in India, boost tourism, create jobs, and foster economic development, particularly in hard-to-reach coastal and inland regions
FLIGHT PLAN FOR NAVIGATING BUSINESS AIRCRAFT FINANCING
The business aircraft financing market has witnessed significant growth post-pandemic, driven by increased demand for private and chartered flights
TRUMP'S VICTORY: WHAT WILL IT UNFOLD FOR INDIA
For India, one of the most significant aspects of Trump's return will be his approach to China. There is a possibility that Trump will continue to view India through a transactional lens, prioritising trade deficits and economic returns. The role which the US plays as the global tech powerhouse is the model for future growth which cuts across economy to security. In all potential, there are mostly positive signs, rather another defining era for Indo-US relations could unfold if indicators are right. The convergence of mutual interest for both democracies is too obvious.
ANTARIKSHA ABHYAS-2024
The first ever tri-services Defence Space Exercise was a significant building block towards holistic capability in global space operations
INDIA'S GSAT-20 SATELLITE LAUNCHED
Symbolising growing technology, growth & collaboration, this mission highlights India's dedication to leveraging space technology for societal progress, expanding its role in commercial space ventures while underscoring the potential for India's heavy-lift launch vehicles to capture future opportunities
A LEGACY OF PRECISION, POWER, AND POISE IN THE SKIES
With a vision for comfort, excellence and sustainable aviation, Dassault's Falcon family embodies the peak of technological and environmental advancements
INDIA'S RICHEST BUYS BBJ
Private jets play a strategic role in allowing business magnates like Ambani to optimise time management, particularly critical given his global business commitments and a packed travel schedule.
PRIME MINISTER INAUGURATES AIRCRAFT COMPLEX FOR MANUFACTURING OF C295 AIRCRAFT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing of C295 aircraft at TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 28, 2024.
