Air Kerala, India’s newest airline based in Kerala, is expected to commence operations by June this year, with its inaugural flight departing from Kannur International Airport. The maiden destination, however, stays undisclosed for now.

The airline has collaborated with Kannur International Airport Ltd (KIAL) to fly on regional routes, covering a 90-minute radius with a fleet consisting of regional twin-engine turboprop ATR aircraft. Once the expansion plan takes off, Air Kerala hopes to get narrow-body jets for flight services to international destinations. KIAL will be the airline’s key hub linking regional passengers to international flights via Kannur.

According to Air Kerala Chairman Afi Ahmed, infrastructure at Kannur Airport is ready to support the airline’s strategy.

Air Kerala obtained the no-objection certificate from the Civil Aviation Ministry last year. The procedure to get clearance for a flying permit from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is on the cards. – editor@nrifocus.com