13 Nov 2024
The carrier took a demo flight from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, to Srisailam Dam, Andhra Pradesh temple town.
After first operating its seaplane route four years ago, Spicejet is ready to launch official seaplane services across key routes next year once proper infrastructure becomes available. It is licensed to operate seaplane services on 20 routes, including Hyderabad, Shillong, Guwahati, and Lakshadweep.
Spicejet launched India’s first scheduled seaplane service in October 2020, connecting Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad, with the Statue of Unit in Kevadia, Gujarat. The service was later halted during the pandemic. Spicejet has participated in seaplane trials, offering engineering, logistical, and technical support to De Havilland, the aviation manufacturer.
Spicejet had started a charter seaplane in Gujarat for a brief period in 2022, which could not be sustained. It plans to relaunch the stint in 2025 to leverage seaplanes to overcome infrastructural limitations and boost regional connectivity.
Avani Singh, daughter of Spicejet CMD Ajay Singh and the CEO of Spice Shuttle, will lead the project.