A prominent Indian business conglomerate active in the UAE is set to introduce an airline, promising affordable airfare for residents. The Alhind Group, a seasoned player in the travel sector for over 30 years, has secured the necessary approvals to establish a domestic airline in India. Group Chairman Mohammad Haris informed Khaleej Times that they are nearing the completion of their approval process. "Recently, we convened with officials from Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and submitted all requisite documents for landing permissions," he disclosed. "Earlier, we obtained the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to launch the airline and anticipate commencing operations by January 2025, if not sooner."
Alhind Airline plans to initiate operations with three ATR-72 turboprop aircraft, initially focusing on Indian cities before rapidly expanding. "We will commence with three flights and, upon reaching 20 flights, will extend our services internationally, starting with the UAE," affirmed a company spokesperson. "Having operated in this region for many years, we aim to offer some of the lowest ticket prices to cater to the expatriate community here. The Middle East will be a focal point for our international expansion."
While not specifying a precise timeline for international operations, the spokesperson expressed the company's intent to start as soon as possible. "Akash Airline, for instance, launched its international services just 17 months after its domestic inception," he noted. "We aspire to emulate or even surpass this timeline."
The Alhind management has engaged with pivotal stakeholders, including India's Civil Aviation Minister and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, garnering enthusiastic support for the venture. Headquartered in Kerala, the Alhind Group spans various sectors such as ticketing, tour operations, charters, hotel reservations, and visa services, with a reported turnover exceeding Dh8 billion. Operating under the Alhind Business Centre in the UAE, the group has maintained a presence in the country for over 19 years. "As a General Sales Agent, we are currently booking passengers for various Indian airlines, including Spice Jet," the official stated. "Thus, launching an airline is a logical step for us, with preparations spanning several years."
The group also confirmed plans to operate an Airbus A320 on Middle East routes, featuring a business class, while maintaining a lean staff to control costs. "We already operate offices in Kerala and New Delhi and have recruited a minimal workforce to ensure smooth operations," the official explained. "Our aim is to keep overheads minimal to offer the most economical fares. An office in the UAE will follow the commencement of our international services."
Previously, two Dubai-based entrepreneurs discussed the launch of Air Kerala, the state's inaugural regional airline, under the name Zettfly Aviation. The airline secured an NOC for three years of scheduled commuter air transport services. Post-preparations, it will initially operate domestic flights in India's southernmost state, with Dubai slated as one of the first international destinations.
