India has launched seaplane operations with assistance from the national airline of the Maldives, Maldivian.
Seaplane operations were officially launched in India by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31. Shortly before the takeoff of the first seaplane in India, Prime Minister Modi was briefed on flight procedure by Maldivian Cabin Crew Instructor Hussain Fazeel. The seaplane was operated by captains and crew of Maldivian.
Seaplane operations in India will be conducted by the airline SpiceJet. A chartered seaplane of Maldivian departed to India on October 25 to commence the operations in India.
Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) Mohamed Rizvee said the transfer of a chartered flight by the Maldives to commence seaplane operations in India represents the high level of respect between the two countries. Noting India could have chosen any country to assist the commencement of its seaplane operations, Rizvee said it is an honour that India selected the national airline of the Maldives for this operation. He said it is also an opportunity to increase the confidence and trust between the two countries, adding the confidence of a company such as SpiceJet will enable the Maldivian aviation industry to reach new heights.
SpiceJet has scheduled 8 daily flights at the start of its seaplane operations. The flights will travel between Ahmedabad and Kevadia in the state of Gujarat. IASL, which operates Maldivian, stated the national airline will provide any technical assistance required by SpiceJet in conducting the operations.
Maldives has the largest seaplane fleet in the region, with 3 companies operating seaplanes in the country. As such, Maldivian, Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and Manta Air operate seaplanes in the Maldives.