Launching into the Skies
The new startup airline Alhind Air is expected to appoint former SpiceJet executive Shilpa Bhatia as the group CEO. Bhatia resigned earlier this year to focus on the startup space. Alhind is a Kerala-based travel group with a significant presence in West Asia.
Indian startup Alhind Air has received a no-objection certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is a necessary step in obtaining an air operator’s license (AOC). It is now in the process of completing the prerequisites for AOC.
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Supported by Alhind Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., a travel company affiliated with the Alhind Group, Alhind Air plans to begin operating domestic flights later this year from Kochi International with three ATR72s. “The airline will initially focus on building a robust domestic network before expanding its reach to international destinations,” according to a statement.
“The airline’s launch and ongoing operations are supported by experienced professionals and state-of-the-art facilities. As part of the new project, Alhind management has engaged in discussions with key figures, including the Civil Aviation Minister and the DGCA, who have both offered whole-hearted support.”
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The statement claims that Alhind Tours & Travels has offices both domestically and internationally, with an annual turnover over INR 200 billion rupees (USD 2.38 billion), making it a “prominent” participant in the Indian travel and tourist business. According to an unidentified corporate official quoted by Indian news channels, the company is willing to invest INR 2–5 billion (USD 24–60 million) in start-up expenditures and anticipates growing to five ATR – Avions de Transport Régional turboprops rather quickly before reaching 20 aircraft after two years of operation. Alhind Air will now start operating international flights.
“It’s a INR20 billion (USD238 million) long-term project,” the source said. “We are in talks with leasing companies for ATR and narrowbody planes as well as Airbus and Boeing for new planes.”
