SpiceJet Prepares to Launch Seaplane Services with Trial Flights in Southern India
SpiceJet has conducted a series of seaplane trial flights across southern India as part of its plan to launch commercial seaplane operations on 20 domestic routes by 2025. This initiative includes recent demonstration flights from Kerala’s Kochi to Mattupetty Dam in Idukki and similar trials in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The trials featured a 17-seat de Havilland Twin Otter 300, with SpiceJet planning to incorporate this aircraft model into future operations. The airline is working closely with Canadian aircraft manufacturer De Havilland, which provides engineering support and addresses logistical challenges associated with seaplane functionality.
SpiceJet’s CEO of Spice Shuttle, Avani Singh, commented on the operational potential of seaplanes in India’s diverse geography, noting their capability to connect remote areas without requiring extensive airport infrastructure. Ajay Singh, chairman of SpiceJet, echoed this, indicating that seaplanes could improve accessibility to underserved regions by leveraging India’s coastlines and inland waterways. Singh highlighted that, once operational, seaplanes could access small water bodies, allowing connections to areas lacking traditional aviation infrastructure.
SpiceJet initially launched a seaplane service in October 2020, connecting Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront with the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, under the government’s UDAN scheme, which supports regional connectivity with subsidized fares. However, operations were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airline aims to resume and expand services across multiple regions, including the Laccadive Islands, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong, once necessary infrastructure is in place.