Kerala Govt To Flag Off Seaplane Service Trial Run From Kochi on Nov 11, Details Inside

Kochi: Kerala 's ambitious seaplane project is set to take flight, with first seaplane scheduled to land at Bolgatty backwaters here at 2:30 pm on Sunday.

Kerala Tourism Minister PA Muhamm Riyas will flag off trial of seaplane service from Bolgatty to Mattupetti reservoir near Munnar at 9.30 am on Monday, Transport Secretary(Aviation, Metro and Railways) Biju Prabhakar said here, on Saturday.

A reception will be held for pilots of aircraft at Bolgatty Palace to mark occasion.

Kerala's First Seaplane Service To Be Launched in Kochi

Biju Prabhakar stated that Seaplane project will transform Kerala's tourism sector, urging stakeholders to fully lever opportunities it presents.

" project aims to create high-value tourism opportunities. Beyond tourism, it has also potential for boosting medical transport, emergency evacuation, and VIP travels sectors. trial service is intended to demonstrate project's feasibility to tourism operators and public," he ded.

seaplane initiative, launched as part of government's Regional Connectivity Scheme, was officially inaugurated in Andhra Presh on Saturday, according to Biju Prabhakar.

amphibious aircraft, capable of taking off and landing on both land and water, can carry up to nine passengers. After departing from Andhra Presh, seaplane will make a refueling stop at Kochi International Airport before landing at Bolgatty Marina in Kochi at 2:30 pm, Prabhakar ded.

Before trial flight, Prabhakar visited Marina to inspect security measures and ensure that all preparations were in place for seaplane's arrival.

Tourism department officials explained that seaplanes offer unique vant of breathtaking aerial views through large windows, as y are capable of operating on both land and water. Traveling over picturesque landscapes of Munnar and Western Ghats promises a memorable experience for passengers.

One of key vants of seaplanes is that y eliminate need for costly tritional airstrips, making air travel more accessible, officials highlighted.

government is also planning to develop a seaplane tourism circuit connecting key water bodies and airports across Kerala. Destinations in circuit will include Mattupetty in Idukki, Malampuzha in Palakk, Vembanu in Alappuzha, Ashtamudikkayal in Kollam, Chandragiripuzha in Kasargod, and Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram.

(With inputs from PTI)