Kochi: Kerala ‘s ambitious seaplane project is set to take flight, with the first seaplane scheduled to land at Bolgatty backwaters here at 2:30 pm on Sunday.

Kerala Tourism Minister PA Muhammad Riyas will flag off the trial of seaplane service from Bolgatty to Mattupetti reservoir near Munnar at 9.30 am on Monday, Transport Secretary(Aviation, Metro and Railways) Biju Prabhakar said here, on Saturday.

A reception will be held for the pilots of the aircraft at the Bolgatty Palace to mark the occasion.

Kerala’s First Seaplane Service To Be Launched in Kochi

Biju Prabhakar stated that the Seaplane project will transform Kerala’s tourism sector, urging stakeholders to fully leverage the opportunities it presents.

“The project aims to create high-value tourism opportunities. Beyond tourism, it has also potential for boosting medical transport, emergency evacuation, and VIP travels sectors. The trial service is intended to demonstrate the project’s feasibility to tourism operators and the public,” he added.

The seaplane initiative, launched as part of the government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, was officially inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, according to Biju Prabhakar.

The amphibious aircraft, capable of taking off and landing on both land and water, can carry up to nine passengers. After departing from Andhra Pradesh, the seaplane will make a refueling stop at Kochi International Airport before landing at Bolgatty Marina in Kochi at 2:30 pm, Prabhakar added.

Before the trial flight, Prabhakar visited the Marina to inspect security measures and ensure that all preparations were in place for the seaplane’s arrival.

Tourism department officials explained that seaplanes offer the unique advantage of breathtaking aerial views through large windows, as they are capable of operating on both land and water. Traveling over the picturesque landscapes of Munnar and the Western Ghats promises a memorable experience for passengers.

One of the key advantages of seaplanes is that they eliminate the need for costly traditional airstrips, making air travel more accessible, officials highlighted.

The government is also planning to develop a seaplane tourism circuit connecting key water bodies and airports across Kerala. Destinations in the circuit will include Mattupetty in Idukki, Malampuzha in Palakkad, Vembanadu in Alappuzha, Ashtamudikkayal in Kollam, Chandragiripuzha in Kasargod, and Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram.

 

(With inputs from PTI)