Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu launched a seaplane demonstration flight operation today (November 9), from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam in Nandyal district.
This initiative aims to position Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of India’s water-based aviation sector. The chief minister, along with Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and other dignitaries, will board the flight to Srisailam.
On launching a trial run of the seaplane service, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu said, "This is a boom for tourism. The future is only for tourism. It will also create jobs, wealth and new experiences for people. So I don't want to focus only on seaplanes, we are giving tourism an industrial status."
He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also came forward to promote seaplane operations in the southern state, which does not require the expensive infrastructure needed for a regular airport.
With seaplane services, the state government aims to position Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of India's water-based aviation sector. he chief minister observed that innovative ideas will remove poverty and generate income which can fund welfare activities.
Earlier, Ram Mohan Naidu said a new chapter is being opened in Andhra Pradesh, adding that seaplane operations will not only change the future of the state but also India. hough seaplane operations were tried earlier, the aviation minister noted that they did not take off due to Covid and other reasons and highlighted that CM Naidu suggested the potential of seaplanes.
According to the union minister, seaplane services are also important for PM Modi and reminded that they were tried earlier in Gujarat.
According to the state government, seaplane operations hold significant potential for the southern state, which boasts beautiful waterfronts and India's second-longest coastline.
Eight locations have already been identified in Andhra Pradesh for seaplane services to boost tourism.
- Prakasam Barrage (Vijayawada)
- Araku
- Lambasingi
- Rushikonda
- Kakinada
- Konaseema
- Srisailam
- Tirupati
"Water aerodromes can be developed with fewer resources and in a shorter timeframe than traditional airports. They are essential for enhancing air connectivity in areas lacking runway-based airports," the statement added.
By enabling seaplane operations, the state government aims to enhance local tourism, create jobs, and improve accessibility to picturesque destinations like Vijayawada and Srisailam. The government is also exploring additional locations for water aerodromes to extend connectivity to remote areas and further boost tourism.
The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Ltd (APADCL) believes that the introduction of seaplanes will add a new dimension to the state's aviation landscape.
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