Seaplanes could be allowed to take off from waterdromes if the government accepts their request for one. A joint team comprising officials from the ministry, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would be conducting the “preliminary feasibility study” to have waterdromes.
The DGCA is planning to expand seaplane services within the country connecting tourist places. A waterdrome can be described as a water body that complies with certain minimum requirements for the landing of an aircraft. The Seaplanes can land on water bodies, Amphibian planes can operate on land as well as on water bodies.
A list of around 16 to 20 places that could be utilized as waterdromes have been suggested and the joint team would look into their feasibility aspects. Requirements such as minimum depth of water would be looked into and the report is expected in two months. Already, there is a CAR (Civil Aviation Requirement) for seaplanes. The official will submit the report after carrying out the feasibility study and taking into consideration of other aspects.
Recently, Spice Jet unveiled plans to purchase more than 100 amphibian planes, estimated to cost USD 400 million, as the airline looks to boost regional operations. The budget carrier has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Setouchi Holdings to explore whether the amphibian planes can be used by the airline in a cost-effective manner.
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