In an inspiring step towards transforming India’s regional connectivity, SpiceJet CMD Ajay Singh and Avani Singh, CEO of Spice Shuttle, collaborated with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Sh. N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister of Civil Aviation Sh. K. Rammohan Naidu.

Seaplanes: A New Horizon in Regional Connectivity
Seaplanes offer a unique solution to boost regional travel in India. Operating on both water and air, these versatile aircraft are ideal for reaching regions lacking conventional airport infrastructure. By enabling flights to destinations along rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, seaplanes open up new opportunities for travelers to explore India’s hidden gems.

With a shared vision, SpiceJet and the government of Andhra Pradesh are working together to position the state as a leader in regional aviation, aiming to reduce travel time and enhance connectivity. For remote regions, this means greater accessibility, increased tourism, and new avenues for local economic growth.

The recent seaplane demonstration in Vijayawada was a powerful showcase of the potential for this mode of transportation in India. With key industry and government leaders, including Chief Minister Sh. N. Chandrababu Naidu and Civil Aviation Minister Sh. K. Rammohan Naidu, in attendance, the event underscored the government’s commitment to advancing regional connectivity initiatives.

Ajay Singh, CMD of SpiceJet, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing how seaplanes align with the airline’s mission of enhancing travel convenience and making air travel accessible to a larger population. Avani Singh, CEO of Spice Shuttle, highlighted the potential of seaplanes to bring positive changes to remote communities, showcasing Spice Shuttle’s dedication to reaching underserved areas.

A Long-Standing Vision for Seaplane Travel
This isn’t the first time SpiceJet has explored the potential of seaplanes in India. In late 2017, the airline conducted initial seaplane test flights in Mumbai and other locations, signaling the start of an interest in connecting India’s cities via waterbodies. These initial trials demonstrated SpiceJet’s vision for regional.      Then, on October 28, 2020, SpiceJet announced the launch of India’s first seaplane service between Ahmedabad (Sabarmati riverfront) and the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, operated by its subsidiary Spice Shuttle. This route, launched on October 31, 2020, offered two daily flights on a 15-seater Twin Otter 300 aircraft, with all-inclusive fares beginning at just Rs. 1500 under the UDAN scheme. Tickets became available on www.spiceshuttle.com, making seaplane travel a reality for domestic travelers. connectivity and its commitment to innovation in the aviation space, paving the way for the airline’s present-day collaboration with Andhra Pradesh. Now, in Vijayawada, SpiceJet is revisiting this goal with renewed vigor, leveraging experience from the 2017 trials to establish regular seaplane routes.

why it was failed earlier?

The leased aircraft, registered as 8Q-ISC, was manufactured in 1969, making it over five decades old at the time of operation. Due to its age, the aircraft required frequent maintenance, leading to periodic suspensions of the seaplane service. On two occasions within the first four months, the aircraft was returned to the Maldives for extended maintenance periods.

where to book spicejet seaplane ticket:

SpiceJet’s seaplane service, operated by its subsidiary Spice Shuttle, was launched in October 2020, connecting Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. Initially, tickets were available through the dedicated website spiceshuttle.com.

For the most current information on SpiceJet’s services and potential future seaplane operations, it is advisable to visit the official SpiceJet website at spicejet.com or contact their customer service directly.

Conclusion
The recent seaplane demonstration in Vijayawada is a powerful testament to the potential of regional aviation in India. Through the joint efforts of the government and SpiceJet, the vision of connecting remote regions and making iconic destinations accessible is steadily becoming a reality. This project not only symbolizes progress in India’s aviation sector but also brings promise to the people of Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the state as a destination ripe with opportunity for both tourists and locals.

As SpiceJet and the government continue to work together, we look forward to seeing this transformative vision come to life, paving the way for more initiatives that will strengthen India’s aviation network and enrich regional economies.