New Airlines Galore In 2022!

A large number of new players are entering the airline business in 2022. That includes Akasa Air in India, and two in the UK- Hans Airways and Flypop, that will fly to India specifically. A special report

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Who on earth would want to launch an airline in the middle of a global pandemic? It seems there are plenty of people who see the lockdown and the devastation of the last two years as just the right time to get into this business. In that sense it is only a continuation of the 2021 trend when as many start-ups were announced as airlines closing down.

One reason for the frenzy is the easy availability of aircraft and crew. Air leases are cheap (although the cost of crude oil is rising by the day). Pilots are still without jobs in many parts of the world and at least at this point in time getting seasoned, experienced and trained cockpit and cabin crew is no problem.

Over a 120, believe it or not 120 start-up airlines are scheduled to take off in 2022. Close to half of them will operate in mainland Europe with the rest spread across the world. But if the aviation market returns to normal, the start-ups may have to rework their business plans.

Akasa Air

The biggest start up globally, backed by billionaire stock market bull Rakesh Jhunjunwalla. Akasa has big plans, having placed its first order for 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at the Dubai Airshow in November 2021.

The ultra-low-cost carrier plans to start operations in mid-2022. It will be launching at an interesting time for the Indian market, with Air India set for a revamp after being taken over by the Tata Group. But what is ultra-low cost? How cheaper can tickets get and what is the mantra to take on the likes of market leader IndiGo and the Tatas who now combined control over 23 percent of the market?

Hans Airways