SpiceJet seaplane takes trial flight in Kerala

SpiceJet conducted a trial flight on Monday from the Kerala port city of Kochi to Mattupetty dam in the touristy hill district of Idukki.

The low-cost airline officials said they plan to launch commercial operations next year, linking 20 routes in India, including the picturesque Laccadive Islands.

On the weekend, amphibious aircraft made demonstration flights in neighbouring Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh before landing at the Cochin International Airport.

Kerala’s tourism minister, PA Mohamed Riyas, flagged off the trial flight from the waterdrome in the Kochi backwaters.

Canadian aircraft manufacturer De Havilland offers engineering expertise and assists with technical and logistical challenges.

In a press note, SpiceJet said it had been actively involved in seaplane trials across multiple locations in varied geographies of coastlines, islands, and riverine regions.

“We are excited to be at the forefront of seaplane operations in India,” it quoted Avani Singh, the chief executive officer of Spice Shuttle, as saying,

The budget airline plans to expand connectivity on 20 routes once the necessary infrastructure is established.

“With the ability to land on small water bodies, seaplanes are ideal for connecting remote areas to the aviation network without the need for expensive infrastructure like airports and runways,” SpiceJet chairman Ajay Singh said.

“Seaplanes have the potential to transform India’s regional connectivity, opening up access to some of the most stunning, yet remote, parts of the country. We are taking concrete steps to bring seaplane operations to life in India again.”

India’s extensive coastlines and waterways provide ideal conditions for seaplane operations like the Maldives.

SpiceJet launched its first scheduled seaplane service in 2020, connecting Sabarmati Riverfront to the Statue of Unity Gujarat, only to be paused due to the COVID pandemic.

The services are provided under the federal government’s UDAN scheme, which is aimed at connecting underserved regional airports by offering subsidised fares.

The trial flight, which took place on a 17-seat de Havilland Twin Otter 300, carried three ministers, including Riyas, and officials.