SkyHop Aviation, a new entrant in the Indian aviation sector specializing in seaplanes and small aircraft, is preparing to launch commercial flight operations. The company has secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), according to industry sources cited by BusinessLine.
SkyHop has already obtained the mandatory security clearance, a prerequisite for the ministry’s NOC. The next step for the company will be to apply for an Air Operator Certificate or Permit (AOC/AOP) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The venture is led by Avani Singh, daughter of SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh. Avani, an MBA graduate from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, previously served as CEO of SpiceHealth. SkyHop Aviation is her independent initiative and operates separately from SpiceJet.
The airline has partnered with De Havilland Canada to acquire seaplanes and has begun hiring pilots for its fleet, which will include the Twin Otter DHC-6-400 series aircraft.
According to the company's official LinkedIn page, only 170 out of 4,000 cities in India are currently connected by air. "SkyHop Aviation's seaplanes and small aircraft are quickly changing that! We're transforming regional travel—navigating water, rough terrain, and remote destinations to connect an unconnected India," the company stated.
SkyHop holds operating rights for several regional routes, including underserved areas in Andhra Pradesh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, the North-East, and other strategic locations.
India currently has no operational seaplane services, although a brief attempt was made in 2019–20 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled by seaplane between the Sabarmati riverfront and the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. That service, operated by SpiceJet, was later discontinued due to commercial challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Globally, seaplanes are widely used in regions like the Maldives to connect remote islands and popular tourist destinations. The Maldives alone operates nearly 100 seaplanes.
The Indian government is actively promoting the segment. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has relaxed norms related to water aerodromes and pilot training for seaplanes. Additionally, under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN 5.5, operators have the opportunity to establish routes across 80 designated water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and dams.
Several state governments, such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, have shown interest in expanding connectivity through seaplane services.
Industry estimates suggest that over the next five years, India could see the development of 20–25 water aerodromes and the launch of over 50 seaplane routes. This growth is expected to create demand for approximately 30 aircraft during the same period.
(This article was originally published by The Hindu BusinessLine on June 28, 2025.)
