Upcoming airline SkyHop Aviation is expected to soon receive its flying licence after it successfully cleared regulatory trials, sources familiar with the development told businessline.
The licence, or Air Operator Permit (AoP), will make it India’s first dedicated seaplane operator.
Speaking to businessline, sources said the regulatory clearance marks a key operational milestone for the industrialist Avani Singh-led aviation venture as it prepares to launch seaplane services in India.
Avani Singh is the daughter of SpiceJet’s Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh.
The company had earlier moved forward with infrastructure and aircraft acquisition plans while awaiting approvals.
As per sources, the company has secured a Twin Otter DHC-6-400 series aircraft equipped with floats for water landings.
Besides, the company has completed construction of dedicated jetty infrastructure at five islands in Lakshadweep at its own cost.
The initial focus, sources said, is expected to be on connecting mainland India with islands in Lakshadweep, while discussions continue for the induction of additional aircraft.
Notably, the venture had received its No Objection Certificate along with mandatory security clearance in June last year.
Furthermore, float testing for water landings had already been completed prior to the licensing stage.
Meanwhile, Singh had described seaplane operations as a potential enabler for regional connectivity and tourism.
Last year, Singh told businessline that seaplanes could help connect islands, coastal regions and remote locations where traditional aviation access remains limited.
Previously, SkyHop had highlighted that only around 170 of India’s nearly 4,000 cities currently have air connectivity.
The company has stated that its seaplanes and small aircraft are aimed at improving access to underserved regions.
India currently has no operational seaplane services. The segment had briefly seen activity in 2019–20 when a seaplane service operated between the Sabarmati riverfront and the Statue of Unity in Gujarat before being discontinued during the Covid-19 period.
The development comes as the Centre continues to encourage seaplane connectivity under the UDAN 5.5 scheme, which allows operators to develop routes across 80 identified water bodies.
Additionally, several State governments have expressed interest in strengthening regional access through water aerodromes.
In addition, industry estimates cited the need to develop 20–25 water aerodromes and more than 50 seaplane routes over the next five years, with a projected requirement of around 50–100 aircraft.
Published on April 24, 2026