Kerala-based travel services operator Al Hind Group, which has a strong presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is set to set up an airline aimed at providing economical air travel options to its residents.
The group, which has been a key player in the travel industry for over three decades, has received first-phase approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to set up an airline called Al Hind Air.
Chairman Mohammed Harris announced that the group is in the final stages of gaining the necessary approvals.
“I met with officials from Cochin International Airport Authority (CIAL) last week and submitted all the necessary documents for permission to land at the airport,” he said. “We have already received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to launch the airline. We hope to start operations in January 2025, or ideally earlier,” Harris told Khaleej Times.
Initial operations and fleet
According to reports, Arhind Air will initially commence operations with three ATR-72 turboprop aircraft and will focus on regional routes in South India connecting Cochin, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai, with an initial investment of Rs 2-5 billion to expand its fleet.
“There will be a total of five ATR aircraft flying regional routes. We have secured all support for our operations from Cochin International Airport. Once this process is completed, hiring of pilots, cabin crew, engineers and other ground staff will begin,” the group chief told CNBC-TV18.
The group’s promoters revealed that Al Hind Group offers services like air tickets, holiday packages, Hajj and Umrah services, visa, currency exchange etc. The group already has a turnover of Rs 20,000 crore and has a strong distribution network to lead the successful launch of the airline.
Al Hind Group is one of the leading companies in the travel and tourism industry both in India and abroad.
Its strategic entry into the aviation sector is expected to result in greater perfection, lower airfares and improved quality of services to travellers.
Mohammed Harris said the group, which is also the general sales agent (GSA) for many airlines, aims to tap into the rapidly growing air traffic between India and the Gulf countries.