Airlines

Who Owns Air Kerala and Lesser-Known Facts

Credit:AirKerala

India is preparing to welcome a new airline with the approval of budget carrier Air Kerala by the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Led by UAE-based businessman Afi Ahmed, Air Kerala emerges as a regional airline initiative backed by the Kerala government. Based in Kochi, Air Kerala is positioned as a low-cost carrier aiming to commence operations within a year.

Zettfly Aviation, the project’s founders, assert readiness to begin domestic flights pending the acquisition of an air operator’s certificate (AOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

Having recently secured a no-objection certificate (NOC), Air Kerala targets obtaining its AOC within eight to nine months. Ahmed plans to launch services by the first quarter of CY 2025, starting with three ATR-72 aircraft and an initial investment ranging from ₹60-100 crore.

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The airline is actively appointing key personnel as it progresses towards obtaining its air operator permit. Focusing strategically on regional connectivity, Air Kerala plans to serve routes within Kerala and connect cities such as Salem, Madurai, Hubli, and Pune based on demand.

The airline has formulated an extensive connectivity blueprint covering 53 airports and anticipates hiring 350 employees in its first operational year.

Air Kerala’s operational approach aligns with India’s ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik’ (UDAN) scheme, emphasizing affordable air travel.

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While its initial phase centers on domestic routes, the airline eyes future international expansion, including potential routes to Dubai once its fleet expands to 20 aircraft.

As Air Kerala prepares to enter India’s competitive aviation sector, its dedication to regional connectivity, cost-efficiency, and ambitious growth plans positions it as a promising addition to the country’s airline industry.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.