Air Kerala, the airline that will be Kerala’s own, is ready for takeoff. Thanks to UAE-based businessmen Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada, who have promoted the project that has got a no-objection certificate (NOC) recently from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. The duo is prepared to face challenges from rival airlines and tackle operating costs to see India’s first ultra low-posh airline soar into the skies.
The company, which will be headquartered in Kochi, hopes to begin with operating three ATR-72 aircraft at an initial investment of about ₹100 crore. It will operate domestic flights from Kerala. The start-up airline has plans to connect with 53 airports in the country flying to most of the major cities, based on demand. Once the company expands its fleet to 20 aircraft, it is expected to explore international routes starting with Dubai. It is interesting that all the four airports in Kerala see more international traffic than domestic. – editor@nrifocus.com
Leave a Reply