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Lakshadweep to Get Seaplane Connectivity Soon, Says Aviation Minister

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu announced that seaplane operations will soon begin in Lakshadweep. He spoke at the India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0 in GIFT City, Gandhinagar. The minister highlighted government efforts to expand aviation through helicopters, regional aircraft, and seaplanes. GIFT City has emerged as a global aviation finance hub with over 40 aircraft lessors.

Key Points: Lakshadweep Seaplane Connectivity Announced by Aviation Minister

  • Seaplane operations to start soon in Lakshadweep
  • Government promoting leasing for 40-100 seater aircraft
  • New policies include fractional ownership models
  • GIFT City now hosts over 40 aircraft lessors
2 min read

Lakshadweep to get seaplane connectivity soon, says Aviation minister at GIFT City summit in Gandhinagar

Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu announced seaplane operations for Lakshadweep at GIFT City summit, boosting regional air connectivity.

"India's aviation expansion is no longer limited to traditional aircraft operations but is extending to helicopters, regional aircraft and seaplanes to improve connectivity in remote and geographically challenging regions. - Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu"

Gandhinagar, May 8

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said on Friday that seaplane operations will soon begin in Lakshadweep as part of India's broader strategy to enhance regional air connectivity and diversify aviation infrastructure.

Addressing the gathering at 'India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0' in GIFT City, the Union Minister added: "India's aviation expansion is no longer limited to traditional aircraft operations but is extending to helicopters, regional aircraft and seaplanes to improve connectivity in remote and geographically challenging regions."

He said Lakshadweep will be among the first locations to implement seaplane services, strengthening access to island territories.

"The government is also promoting leasing frameworks for smaller aircraft categories, including 40 to 100-seater planes, to support regional connectivity," he added.

The Union Minister added that new policy approaches such as fractional ownership models and treating aircraft as infrastructure assets are being actively developed to broaden investment participation in the aviation sector.

"These initiatives are designed to ensure balanced growth across regions while improving last-mile connectivity. Strengthening such connectivity models will be essential for India's long-term aviation expansion strategy," he noted.

International Financial Services Centres Authority Chairman, K. Rajaraman, said that GIFT City has rapidly evolved into a global aviation finance hub under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"While there were no leasing units in 2020, today more than 40 aircraft lessors are operational in GIFT City," he added.

He said that leasing transactions involving more than 200 aircraft and 84 engines have already been successfully completed, reflecting strong sectoral growth.

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Civil Aviation Committee Chairman and Airbus India Managing Director, Jurgen Westermeier, said: "India's aviation financing ecosystem is gaining global recognition and GIFT City is emerging as a key centre for investment and policy innovation in the sector."

Earlier, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that the state's infrastructure development, including GIFT City's connectivity and financial systems, is enabling new aviation opportunities.

"The integration of global expertise and domestic policy support will strengthen India's aviation future," he added.

He said that initiatives such as seaplane operations and aviation financing reforms will support India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
This is great but I hope the government also focuses on the basic infrastructure in Lakshadweep - better roads, hospitals, and internet connectivity. Seaplanes are useless if people can't even get proper medical care when they land. Infrastructure development should be holistic, not just tourism-focused.
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Michael C
As someone who has visited Lakshadweep, I can tell you that the islands are stunning but getting there is half the battle. Seaplane connectivity will be a game changer for tourism. The Maldives has done it so well; India can learn from them. Kudos to the aviation minister for pushing this forward!
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Vikram M
Good move overall, but I'm skeptical about the cost-benefit analysis. Seaplanes are expensive to operate and maintain. How many people will actually use this service regularly? The government should first ensure the UDAN scheme is actually working properly in smaller cities before jumping into seaplanes. One step at a time, yaar.
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Sarah B
Love this! 🇮🇳 Seaplanes in Lakshadweep and GIFT City becoming an aviation finance hub - India is really thinking big. The fractional ownership model for aircraft sounds interesting too. Could make flying more accessible for smaller businesses. Exciting times for Indian aviation!
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Ananya R
I work in the travel industry, and let me tell you - this will be huge for domestic tourism. Lakshadweep has been underrated for too long compared to the Maldives. But please, @MoCA_GoI, ensure environmental impact assessment is done properly. The fragile island ecosystem can't handle over-tourism without proper planning.

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