Tue, Dec 12, 2017
SpiceJet Conducting Trials In Conjunction With Japanese Firm
Seaplane service connecting Mumbai with smaller cities could return to western India under a program being explored by low-cost carrier SpiceJet and Japan's Setouchi Holdings.
Last week the two companies ran seaplane trials at Mumbai's Girgaum Chowpatty. The goal is to provide connectivity with cities where there is no airport, but water landings are possible.
But the establishment of such service is not a foregone conclusion. NDTV reports that SpiceJet Chairman Ajay Singh said the airline would not undertake an unprofitable venture. "We feel there are tremendous possibilities with these aircraft, there are so many airports which are completely constrained," he said. "For cities where there are no airports at all, there are tremendous possibilities of providing connectivity."
Under the business plan that is still being finalized, SpiceJet would introduce about 100 small amphibious aircraft to feed into its existing network from remote areas.
The Indian government is optimistic about the idea, and said that SpiceJet would not have exclusive rights to seaplane service. "We will formulate a policy for this in three months," said Union Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari. "It has been a dream that I have nurtured. Conversion of 111 rivers into waterways and the availability of lakhs of lakes and dams which can be converted into airports with minimal expenditure on small floating jetties."
A seaplane service was established for the tourist trade in 2014, but it did not attract enough passengers to be profitable. This time, government officials say that any policy will be crafted to be economically viable.
More News
"Fly-by-wire flight, coupled with additional capability that are being integrated into ALFA, provide a great foundation for Bell to expand on its autonomous capabilities. This airc>[...]
Hold Procedure A predetermined maneuver which keeps aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further clearance from air traffic control. Also used during ground operatio>[...]
Aero Linx: B-21 Raider The B-21 Raider will be a dual-capable penetrating strike stealth bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. The B-21 will form th>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]
Also: Skydio Chief, Uncle Sam Sues, Dash 7 magniX, OR UAS Accelerator US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall was given a turn around the patch in the 'X-62A Variable In-flight>[...]