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First seaplane service launched
In a boost to coastal tourism in Andamans, Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel launched the first seaplane service in the country at the Juhu aerodrome here and named it ‘Jal Hans.' “This will benefit tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar islands,” he said.
The amphibian plane will run in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. A joint venture has been formed between Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited (PHHL) and the Andaman and Nicobar administration on an equal profit-sharing basis.
“For five years, there will be exclusive rights to give service to the islands,” Sanjay Kumar, Head of marketing, said.
“The pilot project will run at Port Blair for six months,” he added.
The Cessna 208A seaplane, which has a seating capacity of eight passengers and two pilots, is Canada-made, six years old and costs around Rs. 8 crore. It can travel up to 250 km an hour and can land on most calm waters. It can also land using the wheels configuration.
Dr. S.N.A. Zaidi, Secretary, Civil Aviation, said the service would connect Port Blair and Havelock and subsequently other islands in North Andaman. “It will operate from the airport in Port Blair, and from a waterdrome in Havelock and Diglipur,” he said.
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Comment by Shrinath Vashishtha on February 22, 2011 at 17:20 -
Dear friends,
It was an interesting point raised by my chum, Deb, a while ago, about the "First" Seaplane in the country. The details provided were all pretty useful in assessing the contention. Here's the detailed response to the point at my blog for you all to peruse and comment on... FLY INDIA'S FIRST SEAPLANE IN ANDAMAN
Thanks! :-)
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Comment by PROBAL MALAKAR on January 21, 2011 at 4:56 -
It's good.....that's wat i think.....but since it's Jal Hans...u have to throw some money on this Royal ride...
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Comment by www.dineshdental.com Dr.Dinesh on December 29, 2010 at 14:59 -
aptly named jal Hans.......bcoz it will very difficult to get a seat for ordinary tourist unless he apply some source
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Comment by DEBKUMAR BHADRA on December 28, 2010 at 22:04 -
I dont know why it is called first sea plane.
If this is the first sea plane, what was that which nosedived while landing in the sea near Dundaspoint in South Andaman killing a Senior SAI officer some years back.
General public might have forgot the misadventure. But the mortal remains of the sea plane displayed in the Science Centre at Goodwill Estate still stands mute witness to the unfortunate episode.
© 2012 Created by Sudhir Sreenivasan.
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