Kerala-based travel services company gets approval to launch airline: Report
Alhind Group, a prominent travel services provider based in Kerala, has obtained approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry to establish its own airline, as per CNBC-TV18. The new venture will be known as Alhind Air. This development marks a significant step toward the group's entry into India's rapidly expanding aviation sector. The company aims to commence airline operations by 2024-end following another important clearance, the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Initial fleet and investment details
A senior official from the Alhind Group revealed to CNBC-TV18, that the new airline will initially operate with three ATR-72 turboprop planes. The group plans to invest between ₹200 crore and ₹500 crore as more aircraft are added to the fleet. "We will have five ATR planes in total to fly on regional routes," the official stated, adding that they have secured full support from Cochin International Airport for their operations.
Flight routes and expansion plans
Alhind Air's initial operations will focus on regional routes in southern India, connecting Cochin with Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chennai. The airline has plans to gradually expand its operations nationwide and function as a domestic carrier by inducting narrow-body passenger planes in its fleet. The company also has ambitions to launch international flights once the fleet size exceeds 20 aircraft within two years of commencing operations.
Alhind Air's long-term project and recruitment
The official described the airline venture as a "₹2,000-crore, long-term project." The group is currently in discussions with leasing firms for ATR and narrow-body planes. They are also negotiating with Airbus and Boeing for new aircraft. The group has already begun recruiting individuals for leadership positions. Following this, they will start hiring pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and other ground staff.
