SpiceJet to Resume Seaplane Operations in 2025 After Five-Year Hiatus
SpiceJet, an Indian low-cost carrier, has announced plans to resume its seaplane operations in 2025, focusing on enhancing connectivity to some of India’s most remote regions. The airline aims to revolutionize regional air travel, providing affordable access to underserved areas while also boosting local tourism.
On November 9, 2024, SpiceJet revealed its partnership with aircraft manufacturer De Havilland to support the relaunch of its seaplane services. De Havilland will assist with trials and offer crucial engineering, technical, and logistical support. SpiceJet’s seaplane services will target essential routes that can connect far-flung destinations, making air travel more accessible and economical for those in remote locations. The airline has already secured rights to operate seaplane services on 20 different routes, with the official launch contingent on the establishment of necessary infrastructure.
The project is led by Avani Singh, CEO of Spice Shuttle, SpiceJet’s dedicated seaplane division. The decision to resume the seaplane service comes after a successful demonstration flight on November 8, 2024, in which Singh piloted a seaplane from the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to the Srisailam Dam in Andhra Pradesh. The flight marked a significant step in testing the feasibility of the operations.
“SpiceJet has always dared to dream big, and with the support of visionary leaders, we are taking concrete steps to bring seaplane operations to life in India once again,” Singh shared with News18. The CEO expressed optimism about the potential of seaplanes to bridge critical gaps in transportation, especially in areas that are currently underserved by conventional air services.
SpiceJet’s seaplane project builds on lessons learned from its earlier foray into seaplane services. In October 2020, the airline first launched scheduled seaplane operations that were intended to connect the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. However, the initiative faced challenges, and the service was not sustained. With the benefit of hindsight and technological improvements, SpiceJet is now ready to reintroduce seaplane services with a more refined approach.
The airline’s renewed focus on seaplane operations comes at a time when regional air travel in India is gaining momentum. SpiceJet plans to leverage its seaplane services to cater to both tourism and transportation needs, particularly in areas where infrastructure is limited or non-existent. By providing a unique travel experience, the airline hopes to stimulate economic growth and improve accessibility to some of India’s scenic yet remote locations.
The resumption of seaplane operations also aligns with India’s broader efforts to improve air connectivity in rural and less accessible regions. Seaplanes are expected to play a vital role in reducing travel time and connecting communities that are often isolated due to inadequate transportation networks.
In conclusion, SpiceJet’s relaunch of seaplane services in 2025 is a major step toward transforming regional connectivity in India. With the backing of De Havilland and leadership from Avani Singh, SpiceJet’s ambitious plan is set to make air travel more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for millions of people across the country’s remote regions.
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