Port Blair: The commercial operation of
India's first seaplane - Jal Hans - began on Monday at Port Blair
in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Inaugurated by Lt Governor Bhopinder Singh, the
seaplane took its first trip to Havelock Island in the
Andamans.
Expressing happiness at the launch of the commercial
operation of the seaplane, Singh said the services of Jal Hans
would help to promote tourism in Havelock Island which is
gaining popularity as the most sought-after tourist
destination in the country.
"The seaplane service which has come up as a joint
venture between the public sector Pawan Hans Helicopters
Limited and Andaman and Nicobar administration will connect
Port Blair with Havelock, Diglipur," Director of tourism Binay
Bhusan said.
Later, the services of Jal Hans will be extended to
other parts of the islands, including the southern parts of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Jal Hans sea plane has a seating capacity of 9
passengers and has a speed of 280 km per hour.
PTI
First Published: Monday, January 24, 2011, 16:29