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It will be the country's only commercial seaplane service.
India's first scheduled seaplane service, linking Kochi and Lakshadweep, will be piloted by Kerala's Arun Gop, the nation's sole qualified amphibious aircraft pilot, flying a Canadian-built Twin Otter.
Trial seaplane operations between Kochi and Lakshadweep islands, including Agatti and Kavaratti, commenced using a 20-seater twin-engine aircraft, aiming to boost tourism and connectivity.
In November last year, a trial service was conducted from Kochi to Mattupetty Dam in Munnar.
A govt-run chartered service is expected to be launched first, followed by private services.
According to reports, the Union Government plans to launch the services in Guwahati, Umrangso, and Kaziranga National Park.
State government officials also said that once the Centre approves the route, there are plans to implement the seaplane project with private operators.
In 2011, the UDF government announced the seaplane project as part of the 'Emerging Kerala' initiative.
In a historic moment, the seaplane landed in Kochi at 2.30 pm after departing from Vijayawada, AP, at 11.00 am. The trial flight reached its final destination in Bolgatty by 3.30 pm.
If this project turns out to be a success, then the biggest gainer would be the tourism industry in the state as tourists can reach several prime destinations in the state by air, cutting a lot of travel time.
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