SkyHop Aviation Secures India AOC for Commercial Seaplane Operations

This article is based on an official press release from SkyHop Aviation.

SkyHop Aviation has officially secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), clearing the regulatory path for the country’s first dedicated commercial seaplane operations. The certification marks a critical milestone in a long-awaited push to connect remote Indian regions that lack traditional airport infrastructure.

In a public company statement, SkyHop Aviation announced the regulatory approval, emphasizing the operational goals unlocked by the DGCA’s decision.

“With this certification, we move one step closer to enhancing regional connectivity by improving access, reducing travel time, and opening new routes to destinations where conventional airport infrastructure remains limited,” the company stated in its official release.

The operator also publicly acknowledged the guidance and support of key government figures, including Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, and DGCA Director General Vir Vikram Yadav.

Fleet Strategy and Initial Routes

Focus on Lakshadweep

While the official company release did not specify the launch network, broader industry reporting indicates that SkyHop Aviation will initially focus its operations on the Lakshadweep archipelago. According to reports from Aerospace Global News and The Tribune, the airlines plans to connect five islands within Lakshadweep to each other and to the Indian mainland.

To service these routes, SkyHop will utilize a 19-seat De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. The Twin Otter is a rugged amphibious platform widely used globally for short takeoff and landing operations in remote island environments.

Testing and Aircraft Modifications

Repurposing Regional Assets

Securing the AOC follows a series of successful test-flights conducted earlier this month. According to The New Indian Express, SkyHop completed water take-offs and landings at the Ganga Barrage and Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand on April 6, 2026.

The launch aircraft itself has a history in the Indian regional aviation market. Industry reports from The Times of India and Aerospace Global News note that the DHC-6 Twin Otter was previously operated by the now-defunct regional carrier FlyBig. Following FlyBig’s closure, the aircraft was repurposed and modified in India with floats to enable water landings. The DGCA subsequently issued a certificate of airworthiness for the modified aircraft, marking the first time an aircraft converted into a seaplane within India has been cleared for commercial skies.

AirPro News analysis

The issuance of an AOC to SkyHop Aviation represents a renewed attempt to make commercial seaplane operations viable in India. Previous efforts, including a brief service launched by SpiceJet in Gujarat, struggled to maintain sustained operations due to infrastructure gaps and challenging economics. Interestingly, SkyHop is led by Founder and CEO Avani Singh, who is the daughter of SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh, though reports indicate this is an independent venture.

The Indian government has recently doubled down on supporting this niche sector. The Union Budget for 2026-27 introduced a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme specifically for seaplanes, alongside incentives for domestic manufacturing. While the natural potential of India’s extensive coastlines is significant, the long-term success of SkyHop will depend heavily on consistent passenger demand and the rapid development of water aerodrome infrastructure under the national UDAN scheme. Market projections cited by Whalesbook suggest a modest national requirement of 50 to 70 seaplanes over the next decade, underscoring that this remains a specialized, developing market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AOC?

An Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is the approval granted by a national aviation authority (in this case, India’s DGCA) that allows an aircraft operator to use aircraft for commercial purposes.

Where will SkyHop Aviation fly first?

According to industry reports, SkyHop plans to launch its first commercial flights connecting five islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago with the Indian mainland.

What aircraft will be used?

The airline will operate a 19-seat De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, which has been modified with floats for water landings.

Sources: SkyHop Aviation