New Delhi - Air Kerala, the newly-announced airline based in the South Indian state of Kerala, is expected to start operations by March 2025, which was revealed after senior executives of the airline met the Indian Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
"The Indian Minister has assured the airline that it will provide all necessary assistance to ensure the airline secures its approvals and launches successfully. This marks a significant milestone for India's aviation industry," said Afi Ahmed, chairman of Air Kerala.com.
Replying to the Observer, Ahmed said that international operations, including to the Gulf, will take two years and the airline will be modeled as an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC)."
According to the company, the meeting saw discussions surrounding the airline’s operational strategies and regulatory requirements as it prepares to take flight.
Zettfly Aviation Pvt Ltd, the parent group of Air Kerala.com, recently appointed Harish Kutty as the airline’s CEO, who was also earlier associated with Oman's budget airline SalamAir.
"Kutty's experience in the aviation industry will be crucial in realizing our vision of taking to the skies by March 2025," the chairman said.
Ayub Kallada, vice Chairman of Air Kerala.com, highlighted the airline’s focus on improving cargo and perishable goods transportation between Kerala and other regions, while the CEO outlined a roadmap for route expansions, market share growth, and strategic partnerships. He also discussed plans for introducing seaplane services to boost regional tourism in Kerala
The airline will initially have three ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, which will be expanded to a fleet of 20, that will also include the aircraft to meet the requirements of international operations.
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