Knews Desk-A big and historic beginning is being seen in the aviation sector in India. SkyHop Aviation has received Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), making the company India’s first commercial seaplane operator. According to the report, this step is an important achievement towards the introduction of water-based seaplane services in the country.

SkyHop Aviation has received this approval from DGCA, after which the company has now officially got the right to start passenger services. Initially the company’s focus will be on connecting the five islands of Lakshadweep with the mainland. For this, 19-seater seaplanes will be used, which will be suitable for short distance travel. Seaplanes are specialized aircraft that can land and take off directly on water (river, lake or sea) instead of on a land runway. In a country like India, where there are many islands, rivers and inaccessible areas, this technology can prove to be very helpful in strengthening connectivity. This service is expected to make travel in remote areas easier and faster.

The report also states that SkyHop Aviation has conducted several successful test flights before starting operations. One of the important tests was conducted at Ganga Barrage (Rishikesh) in Uttarakhand, where the aircraft successfully landed and take-off on water. According to the company’s CEO Avani Singh, this project has been created to connect those areas of India where it is difficult or expensive to build a conventional airport. He said that SkyHop aims to give passengers a safe, fast and new travel experience, which was not available in India till now.

This project is also getting support from the government because it is linked to the Prime Minister’s vision of increasing regional connectivity. It is believed that after the commencement of seaplane service, tourism will also get a big benefit, especially in Lakshadweep and other coastal areas.

A major advantage of this scheme is that it will reduce the travel time significantly. Whereas earlier it would take hours or days to reach an island, this distance can be covered very quickly by seaplane. This will provide convenience to both local people and tourists. Experts believe that this initiative can usher in a new era of water-based aviation in India. If this model is successful then seaplane services can be started in many other parts of the country in future.