Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 November 2024
In a significant development aimed at leveraging India’s vast coastline and water bodies, the Ministry of Civil Aviation issued Seaplane Guidelines on August 22, 2024. These guidelines are expected to foster a safe, efficient, and sustainable ecosystem for seaplane operations across the country.
Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, Admiral DK Joshi (Retd.), the A&N Administration, in collaboration with De Havilland, the manufacturer of Twin Otter Seaplanes, conducted demonstration seaplane flights on November 17, 2024. The demo flights were carried out between Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep, and Shaheed Dweep.
The seaplane operations commenced at 10 a.m. from Veer Savarkar International (VSI) Airport. The aircraft made its first water landing at Marina Park’s Water Sports Complex, taking off shortly after for Swaraj Dweep at 10:15 a.m. It landed at Swaraj Dweep’s Lacum Harbour by 10:27 a.m., docking at the floating jetty. Following a brief halt, the seaplane returned to VSI Airport. A similar sortie was conducted for Shaheed Dweep, demonstrating the seaplane’s versatility in operating from both land and water.
The De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft, used in the demo flights, boasts a capacity of 16 passengers and offers stunning aerial views through its large windows. Engineered for short takeoffs and landings, it requires approximately 700 meters of runway and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-35 engines, cruising at a speed of 150 knots.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in partnership with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is working on developing Water Aerodrome infrastructure at Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, and Long Island. The first phase of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN will connect these islands via seaplane services, significantly enhancing transportation and tourism in the region.
This initiative reflects the Administration’s commitment to boosting connectivity while promoting modern and sustainable transport solutions in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Sea Plane services for Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay and Indira Point should also be started. These three places are generally not accessible for the tourists.