Mumbai, Dec 27 (IANS) Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel Monday inaugurated the country's first seaplane service to improve connectivity and tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.

"This is the first time seaplane operations are being introduced in India. The scheme (aims to give) impetus to the tourism infrastructure in the islands," said an official statement.

The service will be operationalised under a memorandum of understanding signed between the Andaman and Nicobar administration and Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (PHHL).

"The operations shall be on a 50:50 loss/profit sharing basis between PHHL and Andaman and Nicobar administration," the statement said.

The service, which will be operated through a Cessna 208A that has a capacity of eight passengers and two pilots, will connect capital Port Blair with Havelock Island and subsequently other islands in the North Andamans to promote tourism.

The statement added that seaplane operations will also be introduced in Lakshadweep, Goa and Orissa among other places, and that the government has allowed 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in this sector.