SpiceJet to launch seaplane service between Ahmedabad & Statue of Unity on Oct 30

SpiceJet is set to launch seaplane service between Ahmedabad (Sabarmati riverfront) and the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat on October 30, 2020. The flights will be operated by SpiceJet’s fully-owned subsidiary, Spice Shuttle. To begin with, SpiceJet will operate two daily flights on the Ahmedabad-Kevadia route effective October 31. The all-inclusive one-way fares will begin from as low as INR 1,500/- under the UDAN scheme, and tickets will be available on www.spiceshuttle.com from October 30, 2020 onwards. SpiceJet will be using a 15-seater Twin Otter 300 aircraft for these flights. The launch flight is scheduled to operate on Saturday, October 31, in honour of the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The aircraft will depart from the Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad at 10:15 am and will reach the Statue of Unity, Kevadia at 10:45 am. Ajay Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, “The launch of our first seaplane service will be remembered as one of the most notable events in the history of Indian aviation. We at SpiceJet feel proud to have played a role in fulfilling our Prime Minister’s vision of connecting the remotest parts of the country by air. Our seaplane service between the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad and Statue of Unity in Kevadia will cut down travel time to just about half an hour and will be a unique, exhilarating flying experience that would immensely boost travel and tourism. Infrastructural challenges have been a key deterrent for providing air connectivity to smaller towns and cities. With the ability to land on a small water body, seaplanes are the perfect flying machines that can effectively connect the remotest parts of India into the mainstream aviation network without the high cost of building airports and runways.” “UDAN is one of the most remarkable schemes launched by the government that has provided unprecedented connectivity. SpiceJet has been the strongest supporter and the most enthusiastic participant in UDAN from the very beginning and was the only big private airline to participate in UDAN I. After building a network of flights across the length breadth of the nation under UDAN, SpiceJet’s new seaplane service is all set to introduce a whole new chapter for the country’s regional connectivity.” SpiceJet has secured 18 seaplane routes under the UDAN which includes – Ahmedabad-Kevadia (Sabarmati River Front to Statue of Unity, Sardar Sarovar), Agatti-Minicoy, Agatti-Kavaratti, among others.