First seaplane arrives in Kochi

Mangalore Today News Network

Kochi, May 30, 2013: Kerala Tourism received the first seaplane at Kochi airport today, heralding a new era in the State’s tourism promotion activities.

State Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar, accompanied by State Planning Board Vice-Chairman K.M. Chandrasekhar and Tourism Secretary Suman Billa, formally received the aircraft.

The six-seater Cessna 206 H amphibian aircraft, capable of flying five hours at a stretch, was welcomed at the airport’s aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) hanger with a water salute by two tankers of the CIAL fire force.

It was flown in by Michael Fabry, a Belgian pilot.

Addressing the media, the Minister said introduction of the seaplane would give a big boost to the fast-growing tourism sector.

The service will be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at Ashtamudi lake in Kollam district on June 2.

The Minister allayed apprehensions that the operation of the seaplane will affect fishing operations and fishery resources in the State’s backwaters, saying all these concerns will disappear once the service becomes operational.

Chandrasekhar said introduction of the seaplane in Kerala marks a new chapter in the country’s civil aviation sector and that it will encourage other coastal States to follow suit.

According to Suman Billa, the service will have the airports of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhkode and Mangalore as base stations and will connect key backwater tourism destinations of Ashtamudi in Kollam, Punnamada in Alappuzha and Bekal in Kasaragod districts.

Bengaluru-based Kairali Aviation will run the maiden service of the seaplane project which is based on a zero subsidy – open sky policy.

The seaplanes will fly roughly 6,500 feet above the ground, providing panoramic views of the lush green Kerala landscape.