Tag Archives: Seaplane

DGCA simplifies regulations to boost seaplane operations under UDAN scheme

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has made significant strides in promoting sustainable and safe seaplane operations by overhauling its regulatory framework. The updated provisions aim to streamline infrastructure procedures, enhance pilot training requirements, and improve regulatory compliance, facilitating seaplane services’ access to remote and inaccessible areas.

“Initially established in 2008, the regulatory framework for seaplane operations was long due for a review. According to a DGCA Working Group recommending rationalization and revision of the said regulatory framework, revised regulations (CAR Section 3 Series C Part IX and CAR Section 7 Series B Part XVI) have been promulgated,” an official statement said.

The revised regulations incorporate easier training requirements and simplified approval processes for undertaking seaplane operations.

Pilots with a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) can now qualify as seaplane-rated pilots by undertaking training at any ICAO-recognised training organisation globally. Additionally, new training opportunities for support roles are set to enhance employment potential at seaplane hubs nationwide.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) spearheaded the initiative to promote the seaplane ecosystem, providing guidance and engaging with stakeholders, including DGCA, State Governments, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Airlines, and Aircraft Manufacturers.

These collaborative efforts have ensured that the new regulations address key stakeholder concerns and pave the way for growth in this niche area.
With the revised regulatory provisions, seaplane operators can utilize the streamlined procedures and optimized infrastructure requirements, to further extend seaplane services across the country and reach the most remote parts of the country, fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

Hideaway Resort adds one more Seaplane transfer

The Maldives luxury island resort located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach recently presented an exciting upgrade on one of the most loved services which is part of the quintessential Maldives experience – Seaplane Transfers. From June 1 it has started chartering two Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) seaplane flights a day instead of the current one seaplane transfer. The flight duration for the seaplane transfers is around 75 minutes from the airport, straight to the resort.

Speaking on this, Desislav Gospodinov – Group Director of Sales & Marketing, said, “The newly launched additional two seaplane transfers per day will help guest arrivals and departures with the added comfort of enjoying more freedom, fewer hassles, and better connectivity to and from their respective hideaways at Hideaway and The Signature Collection.” He also added, “It is our goal and vision to make connectivity to our beautiful slice of paradise as seamless as possible so that guests can enjoy the great experiences that we have like no other in the Maldives without worrying too much about getting to the property. With our transfer partners we will continue working tirelessly to improve the transfer experience to our large island resort as much as possible”.

Currently, the alternative route from Male’ International Airport to the resort is via domestic flight to Hanimadhoo Airport and speedboat transfer afterwards.

The resort will assist in booking and coordinating the transfers from and to Velana International Airport. Guests’ flight details must be submitted by the Company minimum 7 days prior to arrival to reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com.

The flight schedules are operated by TMA and can be subject to change due to operational requirements or weather conditions without any prior notice. It will not be the responsibility of the resort if the flight operator delays or cancels flights due to one of the above reasons. As per Flight Safety and Security Regulations, the seaplane flights will only operate in daylight. Evening transfers will not be available; therefore, it is necessary to make prior arrangements for overnight stays accordingly.

28 seaplane routes, 14 water aerodromes under development: Hardeep Singh Puri

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A total of 28 seaplane routes and 14 water aerodromes across the country are in various stages of development at a cost of INR 450 crore, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday.

In order to develop seaplane flight services in India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

At the event, Puri said, “Twenty-eight seaplane routes under the regional connectivity scheme and 14 water aerodromes in Gujarat, Assam, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar islands and Lakshadweep are at various stages of development at the cost of INR 450 crore.”

“Under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN, financial incentives from the Centre, state governments and airport operators are extended to selected airlines to encourage operations from unserved and underserved airports, and keep airfares affordable.

Puri said the MoU is a formalisation and the beginning of an institutional process to develop seaplane services in India.

He clarified that he has never seen any hurdles coming his way from anywhere when it comes to starting seaplane operations.

Puri told his Ministry’s officials to operationalise the seaplane routes as soon as possible because of their immense potential.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on October 31 last year inaugurated SpiceJet’s seaplane service between the Statue of Unity near Kevadiya in Gujarat’s Narmada district and Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad.
However, this seaplane service has not been operational for the last two months due to COVID-19, said Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya, who was also present at the MoU signing event.