TAPPING THE SEAPLANE POTENTIAL
INDIA’S VAST AND DIVERSE coastline and inland lakes remain a treasure trove of untapped potential for the seaplane operations market. The Government of India is keen on exploring the potential of seaplane services in India. On October 31, 2020, the Prime Minister launched a seaplane service in Gujarat which showed that India is making progress in this segment. With the right market diligence, India’s long and a beautiful coastline offers the potential to develop both the tourism and transportation segments. India has several positive factors that could potentially benefit the seaplane operations market.
Few operators in India have demonstrated entrepreneurial initiatives and have tested the seaplane operations market in the past. SpiceShuttle, a subsidiary of SpiceJet, launched seaplane services using a 15-seater Twin Otter 300 aircraft. SpiceJet had secured 18 seaplane routes under the UDAN scheme. Recently, an operator placed a substantial order for electric seaplanes that are planned to be launched in 2029. Hence with the right infrastructure and Governmental support, there are operators who are willing to test waters and start commercial feasible seaplane operations.
The Government of India and State Governments have taken initiatives in the past and continue to do so to promote seaplane operations. Under UDAN 5.0 (2023), the Ministry of Civil Aviation opened up more seaplane routes and also committed to developing seaplane waterdromes. Airport Authority of India (AAI) has sanctioned money for 14 water aerodromes in India. Also, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has initiated the process of commencing operations of the Seaplane services, on the select routes. The model will be operated as a hub and spoke system. Further, Kerala Tourism carried out a detailed study to assess the locations and feasibility of seaplane operations within the State.
India has the right framework of regulatory, operations and Government support to explore the potential for seaplane services.With its vast and diverse geography and presence of large coastline and inland lakes, India has the potential to become a large seaplane operations market.