Seaplanes suddenly became known in the country when Prime Minister Modi flew in one last December from Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati river to Dhabi dam in Mehsana and “taxied” on the river on return. One of the first water aerodromes will in fact come up at Sabarmati, along with Sardar Sarovar Dam and Chilka in Odisha.
“In-principle approval has been given for the construction of water aerodromes in various states across the country. This move will promote tourism as well as connect places of religious importance. To start with, we have identified five states: Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Assam for the development of water aerodromes. For the first phase of the project, Chilka Lake (Odisha), Sabarmati River Front and Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat) have been identified,” Union aviation minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted Saturday.
In-principle approval has been given for the construction of Water Aerodromes in various states across the country.… https://t.co/rn0wa4PNqY
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) 1533986815000
To start with, we have identified 5 states viz. Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh & Assam for the develo… https://t.co/urZJeWk0bC
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) 1533987393000
“DGCA has already issued regulations prescribing the procedure and requirement for licensing of water aerodromes. Since there is no historical data on market and also the demand from any airlines, the project will be done as a pilot project,” Prabhu added.
DGCA has already issued regulations prescribing the procedure and requirement for licensing of Water Aerodromes. Si… https://t.co/NsoQAGWETv
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) 1533987505000
After Modi’s seaport ride during campaigning for the Gujarat assembly polls, the Centre has been working to finalise rules to make this a regular feature in India’s connectivity. Several big players like SpiceJet and Pawan Hans have unveiled plans to buy seaplanes.
Mahindra Aerospace Private Limited and Canada’s Viking Air Ltd recently tied up to offer a wide variety of turboprops, including seaplanes, to players getting into regional aviation market here. Viking makes the Twin Otter Series 400, 19-passenger twin-engine turboprop aircraft that is capable of operating from multiple surfaces (including water).
SpiceJet is planning to launch remote area operations using small 10-14 seater aircraft, including amphibious planes (seaplanes). The low cost carrier (LCC) has signed an MoU with a Japanese firm, Setouchi Holdings, which makes these small planes. Last year, SpiceJet chairman Ajay Singh had said he wants to start operations with over 100 small planes that will be a mix of amphibian and non-amphibian aircraft.
from Times of India https://ift.tt/2MdlryN
