Goa to launch marine plane service

Goa will launch a marine plane service in the next tourist season, the state government told the Legislative Assembly today.
Replying to a question by independent MLA Naresh Sawal, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said the planes (flying from the airport) would land in Mandovi river.
"Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) has conducted detailed audit andrecommended (that the state get)necessary compliancesfor the approval of service," the minister said.
"The compliances will be met and submitted to DGCA post monsoon as operations and infrastructure set-up are suspended during the monsoon," he added.
"Also, clearance from captain of ports is awaited. Service is likely to be launched commercially in coming season after receiving all permissions," the minister said.

A hot-air balloon service has already been launched. It would be available from October to April at Panchayat Ground at Asolda, he said.
"The expenditure to introduce the service in Goa is nil as all the investment to start and run the service will be borne by the successful bidder," he said.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation will receive a revenue share in the business generated by the private agency, Parulekar said.