Air Kerala, a new airline conceived to fulfill the travel needs of the vast Malayali diaspora, has moved closer to reality with the Ministry of Civil Aviation granting a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This airline is the brainchild of two Dubai-based businessmen, aiming to facilitate easier travel to and from Kerala, especially for the numerous Keralites working in Gulf countries.
When and How?
Air Kerala plans to commence operations in the first half of 2025, starting with three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Initially, the airline will focus on domestic routes, connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities, as it currently holds approval for domestic operations only. The airline has been granted permission to operate scheduled commuter air transport services for three years. Expansion to international routes, particularly to Gulf countries, will follow once the airline’s fleet grows to a minimum of 20 aircraft. Afi Ahmed, one of the key businessmen behind the project and chairman of Zettfly, a domestic airline company, mentioned efforts to procure aircraft directly from manufacturers.
Ahmed highlighted the substantial initial investment required for the project, estimated at approximately Dh110 million. He also emphasized the potential for job creation once international flights commence, with Dubai poised to be one of the first international destinations. This step is to provide a cheaper fare for travel targeting the Malayali diaspora who are complaining of expensive air fares.
Multiple benefits
Air Kerala is predicted to benefit Keralites residing in foreign countries and will assume to have a positive reflection when it comes to the tourism industry in Kerala. In other words, the airline intends to address the travel problems affecting the diaspora through offering appropriate means of transport.
The formation of Air Kerala will also create employment opportunities within the state. It is believed that the core positions such as the CEO will be dominated by aviation experts from Kerala. The airline could directly generate at least 350 employment opportunities in Kerala and boost the economy as well.
Thus, Air Kerala’s initiation is a welcome sign for facilitating good connectivity for the Keralites around the globe and can bring in cheap flights for Keralites and also boost the employment opportunities and tourism sector in the state.
