As preparations gather pace for the launch of the Kochi–Lakshadweep seaplane service, a young Malayali aviator is set to make history from the cockpit. Thirty-three-year-old Arun Gop, a native of Nedumkunnam in Kottayam district, will pilot the aircraft, making him a key figure in India’s emerging seaplane sector. Notably, Arun is currently the only pilot in the country licensed to operate amphibian aircraft, which are capable of taking off and landing on both water and land.
Arun is the son of Gopakumaran Nair, a former Air Force engineer and Junior Warrant Officer, and Preetha. The family resides at ‘Gokulam’ in Nedumkunnam. Speaking about the opportunity, Arun described flying a seaplane service in Kerala as one of the greatest privileges of his life.
Updates on the upcoming Kochi–Lakshadweep seaplane service and Arun’s remarkable journey have also been featured on Gold 101.3FM UAE, the UAE’s No. 1 radio station, highlighting the growing interest in this unique aviation milestone.
Arun completed his pilot training in Miami, United States, where he obtained his commercial pilot licence and underwent specialised training in seaplane operations. Since then, he has accumulated more than 6,500 hours of flying experience on amphibian aircraft across several countries. After completing his training, he worked as a seaplane pilot for a Saudi prince before joining an aviation company in Indonesia.
His aviation journey was inspired by his father, who dreamed of seeing his son become a pilot during his years of service in the Indian Air Force. Listening to his father’s stories from the aviation world fuelled Arun’s passion for flying from a young age. After completing Class 10, he pursued the commerce stream and enrolled for a BCom degree at SB College, Changanassery. However, determined to follow his dream, he discontinued his studies midway through the second year and moved to the United States, where he completed his pilot training in just 11 months.
According to Arun, operating seaplanes presents unique challenges and requires greater skill than flying conventional aircraft due to the complexities of water landings and take-offs.
Looking ahead, he believes Kerala has immense potential for seaplane tourism and says government support could help unlock new opportunities for the state’s travel and tourism industry. He sees seaplane connectivity as a promising way to link coastal destinations and island regions while offering visitors a unique travel experience.
Arun’s family continues to play notable roles in their respective fields. His sister, Keerthi Gop, serves as the Vice Chairperson of Hindustan College of Pharmacy in Kanjirappally.
With the Kochi–Lakshadweep seaplane service nearing launch, Arun Gop’s journey from a small town in Kottayam to becoming India’s only licensed amphibian aircraft pilot stands as an inspiring story of determination, ambition and a lifelong passion for aviation.
