Kerala Catapulted into India’s Amphibious Aviation Map

KOCHI:
Catapulting Kerala into India’s amphibious aviation map and elevating the tourism sector to new heights, the first seaplane of the state took off from the Kochi backwaters and landed in Mattupetty dam in the hill district of Idukki today.

Tourism and Public Works Minister PA Mohamed Riyas flagged off the amphibious aircraft from the Bolgatty Palace Waterdrom in the port city.

The Minister also took a short trip on the 17-seater aircraft with Industries Minister P Rajeeve, General Education Minister V Sivankutty, and senior government officials.

Riyas said that with the addition of seaplane services, it will be possible to reach remote areas of the state in less time and at a lower cost. Kerala plans excellent transport facilities, connecting four international airports, state-of-the-art national highways, hill highways, and upcoming high-speed rail corridors.

“Seamless connectivity for tourists arriving at our four international airports to reach hinterland destinations is something everyone wants,” Riyas said. “The government aims to popularise the seaplane services, and we are trying to make this affordable and accessible to everyone. A detailed plan on this is getting ready.”

Rajeeve, who presided over the function, said Kerala was moving forward rapidly in industrial development, and tourism significantly contributed to it. “Kerala is the state with the largest number of five-star hotels in India, and four world-class hotel chain projects will start soon in Kochi alone.”

Mayor M Anilkumar, Aviation Secretary Biju Prabhakar, Tourism Secretary K Biju, Additional Tourism Director P Vishnuraj and Kerala Travel Mart Society officials were also present.

A Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet operate de Havilland Canada, which arrived here after trial services in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. SpiceJet operates the services, while Canadian aircraft manufacturer De Havilland offers engineering expertise and assists with technical and logistical challenges.

The seaplane service is provided under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN. Kerala targets increasing connectivity among its airports, hill stations, and backwaters by offering subsidised fares.

These are small planes with 9, 15, 17, 20 and 30 seats. Passengers board the aircraft from waterdromes that float on water.

Canadian pilots Daniel Montgomery and Rodger Brindger operated the flight that reached Kochi International Airport at 11 a.m. Other crew members were Yogesh Garg, Sandeep Das, Sayyid Kamran Hussain and Mohan Singh.

Top officials from Cochin Port Trust, the Indian Navy, and de Havilland Canada visited the locations and inspected logistical challenges. Feasibility and hydrographic surveys were also completed before the launch to offer seamless services.

In addition to Bolgatty and Mattupetty, Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha, and Bekal are being considered for seaplane connectivity.