Binh Dinh has proposed using seaplanes for tourism services. Illustrative photo.
The Binh Dinh Provincial People's Committee sent the proposal on Thursday to the Ministry of Transport, asking for instructions on using seaplanes to transport tourists in the area.
According to the committee, three companies, Aron Flying Ship, SMBL, and Nam Viet Real Estate, have recently proposed using the seaplane M80 for rescue activities and transportation of tourists among islands in the area.
M80 seaplanes have a total weight of 3.1 tonnes and a load capacity of 1.2 tonnes. They can carry up to eight people, including two pilots. Their maximum speed on land is 200km per hour, and 54 nautical miles (100km) per hour while on water.
The committee said seaplanes have more advantages than helicopters regarding taking off/landing areas, size, and energy usage.
"Binh Dinh has beautiful landscapes and is suitable for developing various sea tourism activities," the committee explained. "At present, the province lacks means of transportation to help visitors better admire the local landscapes and travel faster between destinations."
Earlier, Binh Dinh authorities have also proposed piloting electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft or flying taxis to offer tourists a new experience.
The department said that the province had successfully organised many major national and international events during the period that contributed to promoting the image of Binh Dinh tourism, such as Amazing Binh Dinh Fest 2024, VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon 2024, and the Tourism, and Cinema and Sports - Proud of Vietnamese Identity programme, among others.
"We'll focus on improving service quality and developing new and unique tourism products in the coming time," the department said.