Guwahati, Nov 15: For the first time, Guwahati witnessed a historic test flight of a seaplane, which successfully landed on the waters of the Brahmaputra at Pandu Ghat after taking off from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), Borjhar.
The test run, aimed at exploring the feasibility of commercial seaplane services, was conducted as a collaborative effort between De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd and India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
This marks the first river landing of a seaplane in Eastern India and opens up possibilities for enhanced tourism and transport connectivity in Assam, a state with extensive riverine networks.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed optimism on social media, highlighting the event as a step toward boosting tourism and transport in the state.
Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, along with Mayor Mrigen Sarania, Deputy Mayor Smita Roy, and officials from the Tourism and Transport departments, participated in the test flight.
Baruah announced that preparations for seaplane operations would be completed within six months, with efforts to commence services at the earliest.
The introduction of seaplane services is expected to improve transport links across Assam, leveraging its vast network of waterways and attracting more tourists by offering unique travel experiences and improved access to remote riverine destinations.
On Thursday, Meghalaya witnessed a significant step toward enhancing connectivity as a seaplane landed at the scenic Umiam Lake during a demonstration organized by the MoCA and the Meghalaya Transport Department. The event aimed to explore the feasibility of using seaplanes to overcome the challenges posed by the state’s rugged terrain.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and other officials and stakeholders from the aviation and transport sectors took part in the test flight.
The amphibious seaplane, capable of operating on both water and land, is manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada and managed by SpiceJet.
Union Minister Naidu emphasized the seaplane demonstration as part of the Centre’s initiative to “integrate the Northeast with the mainland” through innovative connectivity solutions.
Similar demonstrations have been conducted in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, showcasing the nationwide potential for seaplane services.
Though no seaplanes are operational in India currently, private players have shown interest in inducting 10 seaplanes, signalling a growing demand.
