2024-11-09 14:18:00
SpiceJet will reintroduce sea plane operations in 2025, Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh announced after a demonstration flight in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday.
The airline had introduced a sea plane service linking Sabaramati river front in Ahmedabad with Statue of Unity in Kevadia in October 2020. However, the operations were suspended within a few months citing Covid-19 restrictions.
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The airline has now partnered in seaplane trials across multiple locations, providing crucial engineering, technical and logistical support to aircraft manufacturer De Havilland.
SpiceJet has rights to operate sea plane service on 20 routes including Lakshadweep, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Shillong and will launch services once the infrastructure is ready, it said.
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**Interview with Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet**
**Host:** Welcome to the show, Ajay! Exciting news about SpiceJet’s plans to relaunch seaplane operations in 2025. Can you tell us what led to this decision?
**Ajay Singh:** Thank you for having me! We were excited to introduce seaplane services back in 2020, and although we had to suspend operations due to COVID-19 restrictions, the idea remains promising. With the right infrastructure and ongoing partnerships, we believe there is a significant demand for seaplane transportation in India.
**Host:** Could you elaborate on the routes SpiceJet plans to operate?
**Ajay Singh:** Certainly! We’re looking at around 20 routes, which will include key locations such as Lakshadweep, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong. Each of these areas has unique geographic advantages that make seaplane operations particularly viable. We will launch these services as soon as the necessary infrastructure is in place.
**Host:** You mentioned partnerships for seaplane trials. Can you provide more details on that?
**Ajay Singh:** Absolutely! We’ve been working closely with aircraft manufacturer De Havilland to support engineering, technical, and logistical aspects required for successful operations. This partnership is crucial as it ensures that we can meet safety and operational standards.
**Host:** What challenges do you foresee in restarting these operations?
**Ajay Singh:** The primary challenges will be related to infrastructure development and regulatory approvals. We need to ensure that all necessary support systems, such as docking facilities and maintenance stations, are in place. However, we’re optimistic that with our team’s experience and determination, we can overcome these challenges.
**Host:** It sounds like a transformative project. How do you see this impacting travel in India?
**Ajay Singh:** We envision seaplanes as a game-changer in the travel sector, especially for remote areas that are difficult to reach by conventional means. It will contribute to regional connectivity and promote tourism in beautiful, lesser-known destinations.
**Host:** That’s great to hear! Lastly, what message would you like to share with your customers regarding this new service?
**Ajay Singh:** We’re excited to bring this unique mode of travel back to our customers. We appreciate their support and patience, and we promise to provide a safe, innovative, and enjoyable flying experience across beautiful landscapes.
**Host:** Thank you, Ajay! It’s been a pleasure having you, and we look forward to the seaplane services in 2025!
**Ajay Singh:** Thank you! It’s been great to share our vision with you.