India is getting its first water aerodromes, seaplanes might soon be a reality
Water aerodromes are coming up in India! Chilika Lake and Sabarmati River might soon cater to seaplanes.
India is getting water aerodromes and the very first ones in the country are slated to come up in Chilika Lake in Odisha, Sardar Sarovar Dam and Sabarmati River Front in Gujarat.
An official informed today that the Civil Aviation Ministry has given the go-ahead to the proposal for setting up water aerodromes. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu cleared the proposal yesterday.
In-principle approval has been given for the construction of Water Aerodromes in various states across the country. This move will promote tourism as well as connect places of religious importance. (1/n) Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) 11 August 2018
What is a water aerodrome?
An area of open water that can be used by seaplanes or amphibious planes for landing and takeoff is called a water aerodrome. They might have connected terminal building on land where the plane can choose to dock like a ship.
Why is India getting water aerodromes?
In June this year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued regulations prescribing procedures and requirement for licensing water aerodromes.
This will enhance air connectivity in the country by allowing amphibian planes -- which can operate in both land and water -- to be developed in the country.
Because there is no historical record and there hasn't been any such demand from airlines, this will be a pilot project, informed the ministry official.
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Sites where water aerodromes will be developed
"In the first phase, Chilika Lake in Odisha, Sardar Sarovar Dam and Sabarmati River Front in Gujarat have been identified for development of water aerodromes," the official said.
Sites in Odisha, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have been identified by the Airports Authority of India. Water aerodromes would be set up near tourist spots and locations of religious importance as per the proposal.
To start with, we have identified 5 states viz. Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh & Assam for the development of Water Aerodromes. For the first phase of the project, Chilka Lake (Odisha), Sabarmati River Front & Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat) have been identified. (2/n) Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) 11 August 2018
Procedure to get an aerodrome license
As per aviation regulations, an aerodrome cannot be used for scheduled air transport services, among others, unless there is a licence.
According to the DGCA, an entity seeking to set up a water aerodrome has to take approvals from various authorities, including the ministries of defence, home, environment and forests, and shipping.
"Initially, a provisional licence shall be issued for a period of six months during which implementation of the water aerodrome operation is monitored...Regular licence shall be accorded after post-implementation monitoring period and completion of corrective action," the DGCA said.
DGCA has already issued regulations prescribing the procedure and requirement for
licensing of Water Aerodromes. Since there is no historical data on market and also the demand from any airlines, the Project will be done as a pilot project. (3/n) Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) 11 August 2018
The formal application for setting up a water aerodrome has to be submitted at least 90 days before the date of intended operations. It would be valid for two years.
Seaplane operation on the cards?
Earlier, Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said that his ministry was also considering a proposal to look at seaplane operation under phase III of the regional connectivity scheme UDAN.
Read: UDAN scheme: All about the scheme to help the middle-class fly
Generally, seaplanes are described as fixed-wing aircraft that is designed for taking off and landing on water.
In October last year, no-frills carrier SpiceJet had unveiled plans to buy over 100 amphibian planes, estimated to cost USD 400 million.
The airline had signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan's Setouchi Holdings to explore whether the amphibian planes can be used by the airline in a cost-effective manner.
It has already approached the Odisha government evincing interest to operate amphibian planes from the Chilika Lake.
(With inputs from PTI)
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