Ahmedabad: 3,000 requests for seaplane ride already

AHMEDABAD: Soon after bookings for the seaplane services opened late on Friday, at least 3,000 booking requests were placed on the first day itself. The service was officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who took the maiden flight from Statue of Unity in Kevadia to Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
“The service will begin for passengers from Sunday onwards.Currently, we have some 3,000 booking requests for a seaplane trip,” said Ajay Singh, CMD – SpiceJet, who spoke to the media on Saturday evening. Spice Shuttle, the wholly-owned subsidiary of SpiceJet will be operating the seaplane aircraft.
Singh stated that most passengers who have booked the trip are from Ahmedabad itself. “The rush was not expected and therefore, we have begun accepting booking requests and those who confirm with payments are allotted seats,” he said.
Besides the two round-trip flights scheduled, more flights will soon be added. “Over the next two-three months, we will add two more aircraft to the fleet. We are in talks for acquiring more aircraft. One aircraft can take a total of ten trips and thus, we will soon be adding more trips,” Singh told reporters.
Bird-hit scare for seaplane?
The proximity of the seaplane waterdrome to the Pirana dumpsite is raised apprehensions over possbile risk of bird strikes. During the aircraft’s maiden journey, acoustic devices and fire crackers were used to keep birds at bay. When asked about arrangements made, Singh said, “We are in the process of installing diverters along the riverfront, which will also help keep birds at bay.”