Seaplane service connecting Juhu-Girgaon may start soon

Mumbai: The much-delayed seaplane service between Juhu and Girgaon chowpatty in Mumbai is likely to commence from February 13, when the week-long 'Make in India' event begins in the megapolis.

"The last mile hurdle for launching the service was the clearance from the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT). But now we have received even that, paving way for commencing the services between these destinations," Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Joint Managing Director Satish Soni told PTI here today.

He said the intent was to coincide the launch of the services with the mega event to be organised from February 13 to 18.
19/01/16 PTI/Economic Times

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Goa seaplane services hit turbulence before take-off

Mumbai: The much-awaited seaplane services, which were set to commence in Goa this week, have a hit a roadblock in the form of a delay in receiving the due permissions needed to start the operations.

The delay has been caused by the officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as they have delayed their inspection of the identified landing sites.

MehAir, the seaplane operator, had temporarily eased its operations in Mumbai and shifted its focus to Goa and Kerala to capitalise on the booming tourism industry. Ironically, plans to kick off services in Goa on January 6 had to be put off, in view of the pending DGCA inspection.

"While the no-objection certificate has been obtained, officials will come to inspect the landing sites on Thursday. Once they give us the final go ahead, the seaplane services will begin," Goa tourism minister Dilip Parulekar told Mumbai Mirror.

Sites identified for landing the seaplanes include Mandovi River and Chapora River so that the tourists can fly directly from the airport to the coastal belt. Seaplanes were initially promised during the current tourism season, and a demo flight was also conducted. However, owing to persistent issues regarding clearances, they are yet to be given a final go ahead. Other plans such as helicopter services, amphibious buses and hovercraft services are also in the pipeline, all of which are awaiting central government clearances.
10/01/16 Mumbai Mirror

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Seaplane: trial flight today

The trial flight of a seaplane service between Kochi and the Lakshadweep Islands will be launched from the Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, on Sunday. The trial flight will be between Nedumbassery and Agatti Island. A statement issued by Mohammed Faizal, Member of Parliament from Lakshadweep, said that it was a historic occasion for the islanders. The seaplane service will be operated by Sea Bird Seaplane, which has received special permission from the Union Ministry for Civil Aviation.
10/01/16 The Hindu

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Goa to offer sea planes, helicopters for tourists soon

Panaji: Sea planes, helicopters and amphibious vehicles would soon be available to boost tourism in Goa even as the state is expected to attract 7.5 million visitors this year. "The sea plane project will start on January 6. We have already signed a contract with Mumbai-based MEHAIR company, which will run the sea planes connecting Dabolim airport to different rivers across the state," said Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar.
While the sea planes and helicopters will be flying across the state from the Vasco-based Dabolim airport, plans are afoot to start amphibious vehicle services for tourists which will take them from cities to inland water routes, he added.
He said that sea planes would land in the Mandovi and Chapora river during the first phase and the tourists will be directly flown from the airport to the heart of the coastal state. The trial run for sea plane was successfully held on May 23 last year.
02/01/16 One India

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