Vijayawada, November 9, 2024: SpiceJet has announced plans to launch seaplane operations in 2025, connecting some of India’s most remote and picturesque locations. The announcement was made today by SpiceJet’s Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh, on the occasion of a demonstration seaplane flight from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam Dam, attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sh. N. Chandrababu Naidu and Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Sh. K. Rammohan Naidu.
SpiceJet has partnered in seaplane trials across multiple locations, providing crucial engineering, technical, and logistical support to De Havilland.
With rights to operate seaplane services on 20 routes, including Lakshadweep, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong, the airline is preparing to roll out connectivity across key routes as the infrastructure becomes ready.
Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, “Seaplanes have the potential to transform India’s regional connectivity, opening up access to some of the most stunning, yet remote, parts of the country. SpiceJet has always dared to dream big and with the support of visionary leaders like Chief Minister Sh. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Sh. K. Rammohan Naidu, we are taking concrete steps to bring seaplane operations to life in India once again. We are excited to help drive this initiative forward, partnering closely with the government and civil aviation authorities to ensure these services become a reality and a success.”
Avani Singh, CEO Spice Shuttle, said, “Our journey in regional connectivity has been a purposeful one, rooted in the belief that everyone, no matter how remote, deserves access to affordable and efficient air travel, and today, we are excited to be at the forefront of seaplane operations in India.”
”Seaplanes can be a true game-changer for a country like ours, where diverse geographies—coastlines, islands, and riverine regions—often present infrastructure challenges. With seaplanes, we can transcend these barriers and bring the joy and benefits of connectivity to coastal areas, islands, and remote inland destinations,” she said.
Avani, who previously led SpiceHealth, is now spearheading SpiceJet’s seaplane project following her MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She is also an alumna of Stanford University.
SpiceJet pioneered India’s first scheduled seaplane service in October 2020, linking the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. Although paused due to COVID-19, the airline is once again ready to spearhead this ambitious project, echoing its commitment to inclusive growth under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. As India’s only major private airline consistently engaged with UDAN since its inception, SpiceJet continues to proudly connect the unconnected, linking communities across the nation with new and exciting travel opportunities.
This latest seaplane venture, set for an official launch in 2025, reaffirms SpiceJet’s dedication to fostering India’s connectivity and tourism potential, helping passengers explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage through safe and accessible air travel.
