Yogesh Garg, Regional Vice President of Sales, Asia Pacific & Middle East, De Havilland Canada
India’s decision to allow the import of 20-year-old seaplanes has drawn a “measured but optimistic” response from De Havilland Canada, which said the regulatory shift will enable operators to induct capacity at a faster rate and lower capital cost.Speaking to businessline, Yogesh Garg, Regional Vice President of Sales, Asia, Middle East and Africa, De Havilland Canada said the global market offers a large pool of well-maintained Twin Otter aircraft above the 20-year mark, making this a “pragmatic and enabling step” for India’s nascent seaplane ecosystem.On the other hand, Garg said that while the move accelerates early adoption, older seaplanes demand disciplined airworthiness oversight, corrosion management and strict adherence to original equipment manufacturer standards, particularly in amphibious environments.At present, a number of regional players have shown interest in operating seaplane services connecting the mainland to the island territories of Lakshadweep. Currently, no such service exists in India.Positive ReformsMeanwhile, Garg identified three structural enablers required for India to scale seaplane operations sustainably.He emphasised the need for regulatory clarity, including faster waterdrome approvals, standardised operating procedures and specialised pilot-training pathways, noting that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already introduced several positive reforms.Besides, infrastructure readiness—such as floating docks, emergency-response systems, maintenance access, refuelling support and weather monitoring tailored to water operations—was cited as the second requirement.The third, he said, is commercial support through viability-gap funding in the initial phase, customised financing solutions and a structured training ecosystem.Connectivity SolutionAccording to Garg, the Government of India and agencies such as the DGCA, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) have worked over the last two years to create a policy framework that enables the launch and scale-up of seaplane operations.Furthermore, the move complements the Centre’s efforts to expand regional connectivity under the Modified UDAN scheme.Accordingly, emphasis has been laid on providing air services to underserved and unserved areas along with the development of aviation infrastructure beyond conventional airports.The government’s renewed focus on regional connectivity includes water aerodromes and seaplane operations.Notably, the earlier UDAN framework had expanded to include seaplanes, while the Modified UDAN scheme provides O&M support for water aerodromes.Small InfrastructureAdditionally, Garg said the scheme’s focus on seaplanes as well as small aircraft will stimulate aviation growth on thin passenger traffic routes.He pointed out that small aircraft will be central to India’s next aviation growth cycle.They offer the right economics for short sectors and can operate without extensive infrastructure, Garg said.In addition, he said that as India expands its network of airstrips and waterdromes, small aircraft will form the backbone of rural, remote and tourism-driven air services.Published on August 21, 2026
