Monday, December 27, 2010

First seaplane service launched in India

Making history in aviation industry in India, Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd the country's first commercial seaplane — a Marylyn Cessna aircraft.It promises to connect most of the Andaman & Nicobar islands through these seaplanes. PHHL plans to extend the service to Lakshadweep and Goa.

Mr. Praful Patel launched the first seaplane service in the country at the Juhu aerodrome and named it “Jal Hans”. The launch of the seaplane service promises to open up new ways for tourists wanting to visit islands that don’t have an airport.

Mr Praful Patel, Minister for Civil Aviation, said the public sector chopper firm to look at the option of forming subsidiaries and getting partners from various parts of the globe for operating sea plane services.

Cessna seaplane

Cessna seaplane can ferry passengers and their baggage to distances within 250 km in about an hour and can land on most calm waters.It can also land using the wheels configuration.To facilitate the operation of seaplane services, one speed boat and one stand boat will also be available.

The Cessna 208A seaplane, which has capacity of eight passengers and two pilots, is Canada made and costs around Rs. 8 crore.

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