STEERING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The UDAN scheme has been a game-chan¢ger for India’s aviation industry, democratising air travel, stimulating economic development, and fostering regional connectivity becoming a cornerstone of India’s aviation strategy

- AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

INDIA'S REGIONAL AVIATION SECTOR IS EXPECTING A NEW addition with the introduction of Air Kerala, a new regional airline that aims to mark a milestone in Kerala's aviation history and the nation's aviation trajectory. This latest venture, backed by Dubai-based Malayali entrepreneurs Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada, recently received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), paving the way for its official launch in 2025. As the first regional airline originating from Kerala, Air Kerala's entry signifies not just a business opportunity but a strategic move to address the unique travel needs of the state and its large expatriate community.

Air Kerala, owned by Zett Fly Aviation Private Limited, plans to base its operations in Kochi, leveraging the city's existing robust air traffic infrastructure. The airline's initial fleet will consist of three ATR 72-600 aircraft, focusing on domestic routes that connect Tier II and Tier III cities with major metros in South India. These aircraft are particularly well-suited for regional operations due to their efficiency on shorter routes and lower operating costs. The company's ambitious roadmap includes expanding its fleet to 20 aircraft and exploring international routes, with Dubai as a prime target, owing to the significant Malayali population residing in the Gulf region.

The airline aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible, particularly during peak travel seasons when demand surges, and ticket prices can become prohibitive. Kerala, with its four major airports-Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram-already has a well-established aviation network. However, Air Kerala's strategic focus on serving both domestic and international markets uniquely positions it to tap into the high demand for connectivity, especially between Kerala and the Gulf.

GROWING REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY