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In a groundbreaking development for Kerala’s tourism sector, the state has introduced an exciting new way to explore its picturesque backwaters – a seaplane service. On Sunday evening, the ‘De Havilland Canada’ seaplane successfully landed at the Bolgatty waterdrome on the Kochi Lake, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Kerala’s tourism offerings. The seaplane, which is part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN initiative by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is designed to offer seamless travel across Kerala’s four airports and its vast network of backwaters.
Tourism Secretary K Biju, Aviation Secretary Biju Prabhakar, District Collector N S K Umesh, and several key tourism officials were present to welcome the amphibious aircraft. The service aims to enhance connectivity across the state and provide a unique travel experience over Kerala’s stunning landscapes.
State Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas will officially flag off the first flight of the 17-seater plane to Mattupetti on Monday, a statement confirmed. Following this, the crew and passengers will be welcomed at the Mattupetty Dam in Idukki district by Minister for Water Resources Roshy Augustine.
The new service promises to revolutionize the state’s tourism industry, offering passengers the option to travel via small planes with seating capacities of 9, 15, 17, 20, or 30. Travelers will board the planes from specially designated waterdromes located on Kerala’s serene water bodies. The introduction of seaplanes is expected to make travel more efficient, with subsidized fares under the UDAN scheme, and boost the state’s appeal as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists.
The flight, piloted by Canadian aviation experts Daniel Montgomery and Rodger Brindger, completed its first trip to the Kochi international airport at 11 a.m. The crew included Yogesh Garg, Sandeep Das, Sayyid Kamran Hussain, and Mohan Singh.
This service is expected to create new opportunities for stakeholders in the tourism industry. According to Tourism Secretary Biju, the seaplane service offers an exciting new package for tourists, covering various attractions across the state. “It will not only enhance the tourism experience but also help in creating new enterprises and job opportunities within the sector,” he stated.
The service, which follows successful trial runs in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, is jointly operated by a Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet. Before the launch, feasibility studies, hydrographic surveys, and assessments of logistical challenges were carried out to ensure smooth operations. Top officials from Cochin Port Trust, the Indian Navy, and ‘De Havilland Canada’ worked closely to ensure the project’s success.
Sources By Agencies
