SpiceJet (SG, Delhi International) is set to further diversify its business model through the proposed introduction of amphibian/seaplane operations.
According to The Times of India, the Indian budget carrier is scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japan’s Setouchi Holdings during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit next week. The terms of the deal were not revealed.
In addition to owning the Idaho-based manufacturer of the Quest Kodiak 100, Quest Aircraft (Sandpoint), Setouchi Holdings is the parent firm of Japanese operators Setouchi Seaplanes and Sky Trek Airlines (Tokyo Haneda). Though both utilize Kodiak 100s, the former employs the amphibian version for air charters while the latter employs the regular wheel-based variant for subscription-based taxi flights.
According to the ch-aviation start-ups database, the Indian market currently has a number of prospective carriers eyeing the amphibian niche including Seabird Seaplane, Mehair, Kerala Seaplane, and Pinnacle Air among others.
