Low-cost airline SpiceJet on Saturday announced that it will launch seaplane operations in India next year, with the aim of connecting some of the most remote and beautiful destinations.
With the rights to operate seaplane services on 20 routes, including Lakshadweep, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong, the airline said it is preparing to roll out connectivity on all important routes as the infrastructure is ready.
“With the support of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, we are taking strong steps to make seaplane operations viable in India again,” said SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh.
The company also demonstrated a seaplane from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam Dam.
Spice Shuttle CEO Avani Singh said seaplanes can truly transform India where diverse terrain – coastal, island and riverine regions – often present infrastructural challenges.
The airline said it is partnering in seaplane trials at multiple locations, providing critical engineering, technical, and operational support to the De Havilland Canada seaplane.
The budget carrier recently announced to expand its domestic network with the launch of eight new flights from November 15. These new routes will connect Jaipur with Varanasi, Amritsar, and Ahmedabad, while also connecting Ahmedabad with Pune.
Meanwhile, the domestic passenger market share of SpiceJet, which is facing financial difficulties in several segments, fell to 2.3 percent in August this year, according to the latest report of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In January last year, the airline had a market share of 7.3 percent. The airline reported a 19.65 percent decline in consolidated profit for the April-June quarter (Q1 FY25). Its profit stood at Rs 158.75 crore in Q1 compared to Rs 197.58 crore in the previous fiscal.
