The first seaplane service is anticipated to launch by December 2023, with operations centered around a water aerodrome in Andhra Pradesh.
State-owned helicopter service provider Pawan Hans is preparing to re-enter the seaplane segment after a gap of around 15 years, with plans to wet lease two seaplanes, sources told businessline.Earlier, Pawan Hans had introduced seaplane services in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in 2009.According to sources, the move will enable the company to diversify its operations and provide essential transport services in coastal regions, among others.Notably, businessline has reviewed communications from Pawan Hans which detail that the bidder has been technically qualified, its price bid had been opened and the process of issuing the letter of award (LoA) was under process.The communication said the tender formalities were in the final stage and the status had been apprised to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.Tender formalitiesIt is expected that Pawan Hans will soon issue the LoA after completion of the remaining tender formalities, following which it will apply to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for requisite permissions, sources said.Speaking to businessline, sources said the first seaplane service by Pawan Hans is expected to commence by December this year.The water aerodrome hub for the aircraft is expected to be located in Andhra Pradesh.Moreover, the Pawan Hans communication said the company had been awarded a LoI by the Airports Authority of India for a few routes in the Lakshadweep islands and was in talks with other state governments for deployment of seaplanes.It is expected that Pawan Hans’ re-entry into the seaplane segment will boost regional aviation in the country.Currently, there is no seaplane service in India, as earlier attempts to start operations in the Andaman and Gujarat fizzled out, with commercial considerations and the impact of Covid-19 dealing a blow to these plans.One of the most prominent examples of seaplane operations came in 2019-20, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a ride between the Sabarmati riverfront and the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.Commercial reasonsThe service, operated by SpiceJet, was later discontinued due to commercial reasons and the impact of Covid-19.Besides, the development comes at a time when the Centre is seeking to expand regional connectivity under the Modified UDAN scheme, with emphasis on underserved and unserved areas and aviation infrastructure beyond conventional airports.Under the earlier framework, the UDAN scheme’s scope was expanded to include seaplane operations, while the Modified UDAN scheme provides operational and maintenance support for water aerodromes.Meanwhile, the seaplane re-entry is part of Pawan Hans’ broader fleet expansion and diversification plans.Furthermore, the business expansion comes at a time when the Centre is weighing granting a loan worth approximately ₹500 crore to the chopper services provider.Financing structurePresently, the proposal for Pawan Hans’ loan with a 10-year tenure is under consideration, with discussions focused on the financing structure and terms of support.The loan, if granted, is expected to support a range of strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of new helicopters, expansion of offshore operations and development of other specialised aviation services.Over the past few years, the chopper operator has been pursuing opportunities across offshore operations, regional connectivity, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), and other specialised aviation segments.At present, Pawan Hans is a 51:49 joint venture between the Central government and ONGC.Published on September 8, 2026
