The first seaplane that will connect the most popular backwater destinations of God’s Own Country by air arrived to a ceremonial welcome at Kochi airport on Thursday. State Tourism Minister AP Anil Kumar and other dignitaries received the aircraft as it touched down at the airport.
The six-seater Cessna 206 H amphibian aircraft, capable of flying five hours at a stretch, was welcomed at the airport with a water salute by two fire force tankers. Describing the introduction of the seaplane as a big boost to the fast-growing tourism sector, Anil Kumar said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy would inaugurate its service at Ashtamudi lake in Kollam on June 2.
Bangalore-based Kairali Aviation will run the maiden service of the seaplane project which is based on a zero-subsidy open sky policy. The seaplanes would fly roughly at 6,500 feet altitude providing panoramic views of the lush green Kerala landscape, a release said.
Besides Kairali Aviation, Kerala Tourism has shortlisted four other companies for operating the seaplane services. Once the other agencies began operations, it would give ample scope for competition in this sector, the release said.