Seaplane Operations & Growing Connectivity Under UDAN

The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik), Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), launched by the Government of India, is an initiative by Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Airport Authority of India (AAI). Apart from developing smaller regional airports, it aims to make air travel no longer a luxury reserved for a few but an affordable and widespread mode of transport and improve air connectivity all over the country.

UDAN

The airline sector in India faced challenges with connecting regional and remote areas. The RCS-UDAN scheme focused on connecting unserved and underserved airports, helipads, water aerodromes, airstrips, promoting balanced regional growth and boosting aviation. Air connectivity which was nearly absent in the tough terrain of North East, air connectivity has been provided to airports such as Passighat, Shillong, Tezu, Lilabari, Tezpur and Hollongi. These led to the formulation of India’s first comprehensive RCS plan through industry analysis, global best practices study, stakeholder consultations and MoCA inputs. During the last seven years, UDAN has increased the regional air-connectivity in the country.

The scheme has helped start new airlines, including Air Taxi, IndiaOne, Star Air, FlyBig, and Fly91. Not only this, it goes to the credit of UDAN-RCS scheme that from 74 operational airports in 2014 in the country, the number has increased to as many as 157 now. UDAN flights operate a variety of aircraft, including the three-seater Tecnam, nine-seater Cessna 208B, 19-seater Twin Otter, 50-seater Embraer 145, and larger aircraft like the 189-seater Airbus 320/321 and B737. Air connectivity to various cities, which was considered a taboo for tourism, has improved by leaps and bounds thanks to UDAN. In the last seven years of the scheme, 583 new routes operationalised, which provided air connectivity to more than 32 states/Union Territories. The UDAN flights fly to 86 unserved/underserved destinations which include 71 airports, 13 heliports and two water aerodromes. These have been connected under UDAN scheme. More than 14.19 million passengers have availed the benefits of this scheme, connecting 276,000 UDAN flights by July 31, 2024.

Several dilapidated WWII airstrips have been brought to life, like Dharbhanga Airport, Jaipur, Utkela, Jharsuguda Airport, Passighat Airport, Jamshedpur Airport, Cooch Behar Airport and the like. Government of India reimbursed INR 4073cr for revival/development of RCS Airport for operations of UDAN flights, under RCS-UDAN Scheme. 870 valid routes have been awarded under UDAN. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced plans to extend the RCS-UDAN scheme for another 10 years. The government plans to increase the current 157 airports to 400, in the plan of Viksit Bharat for 2047, including water aerodromes, and heliports.To improve the airport infrastructure, the government aims to develop 100 airports by 2024 under UDAN.MoCA has indicated that India will soon enter aircraft manufacturing to make India a global hub for aircraft manufacturing.

Ram Mohan Naidu has launched the guidelines for seaplane operation under RCS-UDAN. The guidelines prioritise the safety and security of seaplane operations and clearly outline the responsibilities of each stakeholder, from the operators to the regulatory bodies. The Minister said the integration of seaplanes into the existing aviation system will provide last-mile connectivity to the regions that have remained isolated due to geographical challenges. The new mode of transportation will provide faster and more comfortable travel to these areas but also open new avenues for economic growth, particularly in the tourism sector.

India’s unique positioning helps leverage the potential of seaplanes operations and the government is committed to unlock this potential to transform coastlines, rivers, lakes and islands for connectivity, economic opportunity and pathways for inclusive development. The guidelines for seaplane operations under the RCS-UDAN are as follows:

• Reduced compliance requirements: The guidelines reduce compliance requirements and eliminate the need for a waterdrome license.
• Seaplane ratings: Fresh Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders can now directly obtain seaplane ratings.
• Last-mile connectivity: The guidelines aim to provide last-mile connectivity to isolated regions. 
• Seamless rollout: The norms ensure a seamless and efficient rollout of seaplane operations. 
• Structured framework: The guidelines provide a structured and safe framework for seaplane operations to continue and grow.