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India's first seaplane service in the tourism sector was flagged off by Kerala Chief Minister Mr. Oommen Chandy from the Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district. Termed as one of the dream projects of the Kerala Government, the seaplane service marks a new beginning for the travel and tourism sector of the State, raising its potential to a higher level. Present during the historic moment was the Mr. A.P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism, who said that the seaplane project was yet another milestone reached by Kerala Tourism, which would provide a unique experience as far as the country was concerned. The function was also attended by Mr. K. Babu, Minister for Fisheries, Mr. K.C. Venugopal, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Mr. Kodikkunnil Suresh, Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
The seaplane project of Kerala Tourism presented during the global connect event - Emerging Kerala 2012 - turned out as the first to be realized among the various other projects showcased in the event.
By adding yet another mode of transport in Kerala, the seaplane service is basically intended for providing last mile connectivity by air to major destinations in the State. With three airports in Kerala as base stations, the initial service of seaplane would involve circuits involving Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Munnar, Bolgatty, and Bekal.
Operating during the daytime, the seaplane will use the base airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Mangalore for refueling. Maintaining an altitude of roughly 6500 ft, the seaplane is capable of flying nonstop for five hours. The one launched is a six seat Cessna 206 H, an amphibious aircraft that will undergo trial runs for three months before it becomes operational on a regular basis. By the year end more aircrafts with higher seating capacity is expected to join the service.
Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited (KTIL) was the nodal agency to co-ordinate the seaplane project in Kerala.
