Vijayawada
SpiceJet, the low-cost airline, on Saturday announced plans to launch seaplane operations in India next year. The move aims to improve connectivity to remote and scenic locations, with the airline securing rights to operate seaplane services on 20 routes, including key destinations like Lakshadweep, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong.
SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh, credited the initiative’s success to the support of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister K. Rammohan Naidu. He highlighted that the airline is working on establishing the necessary infrastructure for the seaplane services, which are expected to provide vital access to areas often hindered by geographical challenges.
As part of preparations, SpiceJet conducted a seaplane trial flight from the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to the Srisailam Dam, showcasing its readiness to launch these operations. The airline has also partnered with De Havilland Canada for technical and logistical support in the development of the seaplane services.
This announcement comes as SpiceJet faces financial difficulties, with its domestic market share shrinking from 7.3% in January 2023 to 2.3% in Aug 2024. Despite these struggles, the airline plans to expand its domestic network with eight new routes starting Nov 15, connecting cities like Jaipur, Amritsar, and Ahmedabad.
SpiceJet aims to use seaplanes as a solution to India’s unique transportation challenges, particularly in coastal, island, and riverine areas.
