Commercial seaplane service begins in Andaman

Port Blair, Jan 24 (PTI) The commercial operation ofIndia''s first seaplane - Jal Hans - began today at Port Blairin Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Inaugurated by Lt Governor Bhopinder Singh, theseaplane took its first trip to Havelock Island in theAndamans.

Expressing happiness at the launch of the commercialoperation of the seaplane, Singh said the services of Jal Hanswould help to promote tourism in Havelock Island which isgaining popularity as the most sought-after touristdestination in the country.

"The seaplane service which has come up as a jointventure between the public sector Pawan Hans HelicoptersLimited and Andaman and Nicobar administration will connectPort Blair with Havelock, Diglipur," Director of tourism BinayBhusan told PTI.

Later, the services of Jal Hans will be extended toother parts of the islands, including the southern parts ofAndaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Jal Hans sea plane has a seating capacity of 9passengers and has a speed of 280 km per hour.