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Kerala took a significant step towards enhancing its tourism sector by inaugurating its first seaplane service on Monday, November 11, 2024. The aircraft, operated by a Switzerland-based private company in partnership with SpiceJet, took off from the Kochi backwaters and landed in Mattupetty dam, Idukki.
Tourism and Public Works Minister Shri PA Mohamed Riyas flagged off the inaugural flight from Bolgatty Palace Waterdrom. He, along with Industries Minister Shri P Rajeeve, General Education Minister Shri V Sivankutty, and other officials, took a short trip on the 17-seater aircraft.
Minister Riyas highlighted the potential of seaplane services to improve connectivity to remote areas, reducing travel time and costs. He emphasized the government's commitment to developing excellent transportation infrastructure, including four international airports, state-of-the-art highways, and high-speed rail corridors.
The Minister also stressed the government's aim to make seaplane services affordable and accessible to all. A detailed plan is being formulated to achieve this goal.
Industries Minister P Rajeeve highlighted Kerala's rapid industrial development and the significant contribution of tourism to the state's economy. He mentioned that Kerala boasts the highest number of five-star hotels in India and that four world-class hotel chain projects are set to commence in Kochi soon.
The seaplane service is being operated under the Ministry of Civil Aviation's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN. Kerala aims to increase connectivity between its airports, hill stations, and backwaters by offering subsidized fares.
The small aircraft, with seating capacities ranging from 9 to 30 passengers, will operate from waterdromes. Canadian pilots Daniel Montgomery and Rodger Brindger successfully completed the inaugural flight, which landed at Kochi International Airport.
The feasibility and hydrographic surveys for potential seaplane routes, including Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha, and Bekal, have been completed.
