Tourism said to get a boost
Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister Mr Nara Chandrababu Naidu recently launched a demo seaplane service for the first time in AP.
The Chief Minister along with India’s Civil Aviation Minister Mr Rammohan Naidu took off from Vijayawada and landed safely in Srisailam Pathalganga amidst cheers of locals and other leaders. The flight is said to have taken a total travel time of about 45 minutes between the two regions.
Marking the inaugural flight Mr Naidu said ‘Water based Aviation has taken off in Andhra Pradesh! This flight makes a new mile stone for AP adding a new dimension to our aviation landscape’.
The government has been voicing its support for these services and has said that Seaplane operations in Andhra Pradesh hold great potential due to its beautiful waterfronts and long coastline.
The state Government has identified eight key locations for seaplane services, aiming to boost tourism and provide unique travel experiences.
These 8 locations include Prakasam Barrage, Araku, Lambasingi, Rushikonda, Kakinada, Konaseema, Srisailam & Tirupathi.
In an official release from the government, it said that APADCL (Andhra Pradesh airports development corporation limited) is committed to enhancing Andhra Pradesh’s role in India’s aviation sector by modernizing airport infrastructure, fostering aviation-related industries, and promoting public-private partnerships (PPP).
‘A key initiative in this effort is the introduction of seaplanes, which adds a new dimension to the state’s aviation landscape,’ said the release.
Regional Connectivity Scheme
It is under the government of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAAN Scheme, AAI has proposed the development of Sea Plane Services across strategic locations having large water bodies, across the Country. One such location selected by the AAI is Prakasam Barrage in Andhra Pradesh.
Launched in 2017, the UDAN-RCS initiative aims to boost regional air connectivity, with seaplanes included as an integral part of the plan. The scheme offers subsidies for flights to underserved and unserved regions, making seaplanes a crucial element in expanding access to these areas.
Introduction to Water Aerodromes and Seaplane Operations
Plans are also afoot for Water aerodromes which are designated areas for seaplane operations that can be developed with fewer resources and within a shorter timeframe than traditional airports. They are crucial for improving air connectivity in areas lacking runway-based airports.
‘Efforts are underway to identify additional locations for water aerodromes in the state, ensuring that even remote areas benefit from improved connectivity and tourism,’ said the government.
