Indian low cost carrier SpiceJet plans to expand its business model by providing a whole different kind of connectivity…
Continue reading: India’s SpiceJet Launching Seaplane Flights In 2025
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I suspect this route is about tourism and sightseeing. Statue of Unity is a huge tourist attraction in the middle of nowhere and Ahmedabad is the nearest major city. Think of this like a flight from downtown Denver to Mount Rushmore.
"The model works great in places like the Maldives, where people are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for short flights to luxury resorts. Will the same work in India, though?"
Why not? There are plenty of wealthy people in India who are willing to pay a premium for a more comfortable travel experience.
And the Lakshadweep archipelago is quite similar to the Maldives in terms of location and isolated tropical-island vibes. India is interested in developing it into a tourist destination. That's probably why SpiceJet included Lakshadweep in their list of seaplane routes.
i agree with he guest's opinion it is nepotism mr singh has political support from certain politicians of the ruling party he has got lot of debts borrowed from govt owned banks and investors dontknow whether he will be able to repay them with interest. many of his leased planes are on the ground, due to non availability of engines
and due to his failure to pay outstanding balances to engine suppliers he is facing several law suits from leasing companies from state courts and supreme court. he is just diverting the attention of the consumers and lenders he is trying to get some cash from this seaplane business and use it for the airlines. i doubt very much he is going to fail miserably and ending in loss.
Spicejet may have a "fleet" of 100 aircraft on paper, but less than 20 have been operational until a few weeks ago due to the horrendous financial situation they have been in. Staff had not received their salaries for 4 months, fuel suppliers cut them off and they had to fly planes empty from some airports since check-in counters wouldn't be allowed to open due to past dues. Take anything they say with a huge pinch of salt.
As someone of Indian descent, this makes sense to me, especially when it comes to religious tourism. Places like Somnath in the western part of India don’t have nearby airports.