Kochi: The trial flight of the seaplane, aimed at energising Kerala's tourism sector, has successfully concluded. The seaplane took off from Kochi's Bolgatty Marina and landed smoothly at the Mattupetty Dam in Idukki. 

The test flight of the 17-seater aircraft is part of an initiative by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to explore the possibilities of inland transport using amphibious aircraft.

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Seaplane on its way to Mattupetty Dam
The seaplane on its way to Mattupetty Dam 

Officially flagging off the trial flight, Tourism Minister Riyas stated that it was a historic moment that opened a mesmerising world of visual experiences and will drive growth in the tourism sector. He also mentioned that the seaplane project will be expanded to more locations. Industries Ministers P Rajeev and Education Minister V Sivankutty were also present on the occasion among others.

Only public representatives and staff from KSEB and Hydel Tourism were allowed at the dam, with no public access permitted. Authorities implemented only minimal adjustments, setting up a temporary boat jetty, thereby allowing the project to proceed without incurring additional financial burdens.

The seaplane successfully landed at the Mattupetty Dam by around 11 am, where it was welcomed by Minister Roshy Augustine and others.

The plane descended smoothly, aided by clear weather conditions, onto the expansive three-kilometre-wide water surface of the Mattupetty Dam, which notably retains water year-round. The service uses a twin-engine, 19-seater aircraft known for its adaptability in landing on small water bodies. The seaplane project seeks to connect smaller airstrips and reservoirs, providing a swift 30-minute route from Kochi to Munnar as a primary attraction.

The seaplane project, connecting water bodies and airports in Kerala, had seen a test flight take off from the Bolgatty Lake here on Sunday. The seaplane, a De Havilland model from the Canadian company, took off at 3.15 pm from Kochi International Airport and landed at the Bolgatty Palace Water Aerodrome on the previous day.

The Kerala government had attempted to implement the seaplane project twice before, but without success.

Goal of the project

The seaplane project is expected to connect Kerala's water bodies with major tourist destinations, offering tourists an alternative to time-consuming road travel. The first phase of the project, under the Union Government's Regional Connectivity Scheme, UDAN, will operate from centres at Nedumbassery Airport and Bolgatty Palace.

A seaplane circuit linking Kovalam, Kumarakom, Banasura Sagar and Mattupetty reservoirs is also under consideration. Transport and Aviation Secretary Biju Prabhakar had said that a list of water bodies identified for the project has been submitted to the Central Government.

The next step involves auctioning routes in collaboration with tour operators. There are also plans to include seaplane journeys as part of tour packages, in collaboration with hotels. 

Main features of seaplane

Amphibious planes, which can take off and land on both land and water, are being used for the seaplane project. With large windows, these planes offer excellent aerial view for tourists. It seats 17 passengers with two seats on one side and single seats on the other, offering expansive views through the windows and a compact, intriguing cockpit.

The aircraft can accommodate passengers alongside the pilots and crew, and can be used for VIP transport, medical services and other emergency operations. It does not require a long runway—an 800-metre gravel road is sufficient for takeoff, and it can land on water bodies at least two metres deep.

Concerns raised by Forest Dept

Meanwhile, the inclusion of Mattupetty Dam in the seaplane project has raised concerns within the Forest Department. The department points out that the dam is part of the elephant corridor, with elephants regularly crossing the dam to reach the nearby echo point. There are concerns that the aircraft landing may provoke the animals. Nonetheless, Minister P Rajeev assured that all concerns related to the seaplane operations will be addressed.