Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects seaplane certification within two years and sees strong potential in the domestic market as well as among friendly countries, the company said. HAL presented the timeline while outlining plans to finalise design work and complete regulatory trials. The company positioned the seaplane as a niche aircraft aimed at enhancing connectivity to island and coastal regions and supporting tourism and emergency response.

Certification will be sought from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and will follow ground and flight tests, system validations and compliance assessments, HAL indicated. The company anticipates that completion of these steps within the two year timeframe will allow it to move into limited production and certification acceptance. Engineering teams will continue to refine systems to meet safety standards and operational requirements.

HAL outlined demand prospects for the seaplane in the domestic market, noting that coastal states and island territories could benefit from improved point to point connectivity. The company also believes that friendly nations with similar geography may seek the aircraft for transport, patrol and humanitarian missions. Operators may value the ability to use both water and land surfaces, providing flexibility in regions with limited runway infrastructure.

To support certification and early operations, HAL plans to engage with suppliers and service providers for maintenance, training and after sales support, the company added. Investment in pilot and technician training will be prioritised to ensure safe deployment once regulatory approvals are secured. The company expects that successful certification could open export opportunities while contributing to domestic aerospace capability development.

Company executives said that close coordination with regulatory authorities, operators and local administrations will be necessary to achieve operational readiness, and that a phased approach to deployment is likely. HAL suggested that domestic supply chains could be strengthened through these programmes, supporting skills development and local manufacturing.