SpiceJet announced it will launch seaplane services across the country from next year. The destinations will include places like Lakshadweep, Shillong, Guwahati, Hyderabad etc.
The seaplane service seems aimed at boosting tourism and connectivity to remote and picturesque locations. The airline already has the rights to operate seaplanes on 20 routes. “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,” said SpiceJet chairman & MD Ajay Singh. “We are taking concrete steps to bring seaplane operations to life in India once again. We are excited to help drive this initiative forward, partnering closely with the government and civil aviation authorities to ensure these services become a reality and a success.”
Avani Singh, CEO, Spice Shuttle (right) and Ajay Singh, CMD, SpiceJet with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu
SpiceJet has partnered in seaplane trials across multiple locations, providing crucial engineering, technical, and logistical support. “Our journey in regional connectivity has been a purposeful one, rooted in the belief that everyone, no matter how remote, deserves access to affordable and efficient air travel,” said Avani, Ajay Singh’s daughter who previously led SpiceHealth, is now spearheading SpiceJet’s seaplane project.
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The announcement was made on Saturday during a demonstration seaplane flight from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam Dam, both in Andhra Pradesh, attended by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu.
SpiceJet started India’s first scheduled seaplane service in October 2020 linking the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. But the service had to be discontinued soon. The budget airline is planning to restart seaplane services under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme of the union government which offers subsidies and a cap on airfares.
