First Indian seaplane service launches Monday

"This is the first time that seaplane operations are being introduced in India. The scheme approved by the government of India for Andaman and Nicobar Islands is for giving impetus to the tourism infrastructure in the islands," an official statement said of the service to be launched by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.

The service will be operationalised under a memorandum of understanding signed between the Andaman and Nicobar administration and Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited (PHHL), the statement added.

"The operations shall be on a 50:50 loss/profit sharing basis between PHHL and Andaman and Nicobar administration," according to the statement.

The service, which will be operated through a Cessna 208A which has capacity of eight passengers and two pilots, will connect capital Port Blair with Havelock Island and subsequently other islands in the North Andamans to promote tourism.

The statement added that seaplane operations will also be introduced in Lakshadweep, Goa and Orissa, among other places, and that the government has allowed 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in this sector.