Seaplane Demonstration Conducted at Umiam Lake in Meghalaya
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya, conducted a seaplane demonstration at Umiam Lake in the Ri Bhoi district on November 14. The event was attended by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K. Sangma, and other state officials.
The demonstration showcased a DeHavilland seaplane, a Canadian-manufactured amphibious aircraft capable of landing on water and land. The initiative is part of the Ministry's efforts to explore the viability of seaplane operations in India, particularly under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, which focuses on enhancing accessibility to remote areas.
Addressing the event, the minister highlighted recent measures to simplify seaplane operations, including removing the need for water licenses at water aerodromes and enabling non-scheduled operator permits. He also emphasized the potential for seaplanes to improve connectivity, support tourism, and boost local economies, particularly in states like Meghalaya with challenging terrain and significant tourism appeal.
The Ministry is working on developing domestic seaplane manufacturing capabilities, collaborating with companies such as HAL and Mahindra Aerospace to encourage local production. The expansion of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under RCS to include seaplane operations is also expected to incentivize operators and facilitate growth in the sector.
The demonstration is part of a broader engagement in Meghalaya, including the 6th Helicopters & Small Aircraft Summit in Shillong. On November 15, the minister will participate in the 2nd North East Aviation Summit and Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrations.
Context on Future Developments
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is supporting the development of air connectivity infrastructure in Meghalaya, including enhancements to Shillong and Tura airports. Plans for seaplane services are expected to align with similar international operations, such as those in the Maldives and Canada, where seaplanes contribute significantly to tourism and transport.
Attendees at the event included Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya Sniawbhalang Dhar, MLA Damanbait Lamare, and senior officials from the central and state governments.