Providing a major boost to Kerala’s tourism industry, the amphibious ‘De Havilland Canada’ seaplane made its first landing in the Bolgatty water area in Lake Kochi.

Important officials including Tourism Minister K Biju, Aviation Minister Biju Prabhakar, District Collector NSK Umesh and other tourism representatives welcomed the 17-seater aircraft on arrival.

The first official service of the seaplane to fly from Kochi to Mattupetty was inaugurated by State Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas.

According to the official statement, Industries Minister P Rajeeve will preside over the launch ceremony at Bolgatty Palace. The crew and passengers will be welcomed by Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine at Mattupetty Dam in Idukki district.

Operating under the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s (MoCA) Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, the seaplane service aims to improve travel options between Kerala’s four airports and popular backwater destinations.

The service will offer affordable fares and utilize small seaplanes with seating capacities ranging from 9 to 30 passengers, boarding from aquatic platforms floating above the water.

The aircraft, piloted by Canadian aviators Daniel Montgomery and Rodger Brindger, reached Kochi’s international airport on Sunday morning, accompanied by crew members Yogesh Garg, Sandeep Das, Sayyid Kamran Hussain and Mohan Singh.

According to Tourism Minister K Biju, the seaplane service is expected to open new opportunities for tourism businesses and increase employment in the sector. reports Deccan Herald.

This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with a Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet, following successful trial operations in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

The project involved extensive planning and collaboration where senior officials from Cochin Port Trust, Indian Navy and ‘De Havilland Canada’ conducted feasibility and hydrographic surveys to assess logistics requirements.

The service is expected to significantly shorten travel times between Kerala’s four international airports and surrounding areas and help visitors access popular destinations more efficiently.

In addition to Bolgatty and Mattupetty, other waterfield locations under consideration include Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha and Bekal.