The successful demo launch of a seaplane at the iconic Umiam Lake in Meghalaya and the first landing of a seaplane at the Brahmaputra Riverfront at Pandu Port in Guwahati have demonstrated the operational viability of the amphibian aircraft in the region. The relaxation of guidelines for seaplane operation has removed the hurdles in exploring the commercial viability of seaplane operations in the region. Under the relaxed norms issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, seaplane operators are now not required to obtain a water aerodrome license, and holders of fresh commercial pilot licenses are eligible to operate a seaplane.
The MoCA awarded seaplane routes to selected airline operators (SAOs) in different states or union territories under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN. It is mandatory under the scheme for SAOs to operate flights under the Scheduled Operator or Scheduled Commuter Operator (SCO) permit, and such flights could be undertaken only from licensed water aerodromes. However, due to delays in the development of water aerodromes, seaplane operation with compliance of these norms became difficult.
As a result, the ambitious Guwahati-Shillong seaplane service failed to take wings even though it was approved by the Central Government in 2019. The government identified three locations for seaplane introduction for tourism and connectivity: the Brahmaputra riverfront in Guwahati, the Umrangso reservoir in Dima Hasao, and Kaziranga. The demo launch has revived.
