In a major boost for Indian expatriates in the UAE, Air Kerala, which has secured initial approval from India’s civil aviation ministry, is poised to make travel to India more affordable, the Khaleej Times reported.
Backed by Dubai-based businessmen, Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada, Air Kerala will be the first regional airline of India’s southernmost state of Kerala. The airline, registered as Zettfly Aviation, has obtained the initial no-objection certificate (NOC) from India’s civil aviation ministry, paving the way for scheduled commuter air transport services.
In a bold business move, Ahmed, founder of Smart Travels, acquired the domain name, ‘airkerala.com’ for Dh1 million (around US$272K). This strategic purchase has reignited hopes for Air Kerala, an ambitious project initially launched by the Kerala government back in 2005.
With regulatory approval secured, Air Kerala now enters a crucial preparatory phase, laying groundwork for the launch with strategic planning and infrastructure setup.
Zettfly Aviation, the parent company of Air Kerala, is set to begin its aircraft acquisition process. Initially, three ATR 72-600 aircraft will be secured through leasing or direct purchase. The board, comprised of industry veterans and board members, Afi Ahmed, Ayub Kallada, and Kanika Goyal, will oversee the process.
The airline has also laid out its expansion plans, prioritising regional connectivity before venturing into international skies. The board members have also shared their vision for Air Kerala’s growth, focusing on enhancing accessibility and convenience for travellers.
Air Kerala’s initial operations will concentrate on linking Tier 2 and 3 cities with major airports, bridging the connectivity gap in the region. “Our primary objective is to improve regional connectivity,” explained Ayub.
As Air Kerala’s fleet expands to 20 aircraft, the airline will explore international routes, connecting Kerala to key global destinations. The project’s initial investment stands at approximately Dh110 million (around US$30M), with Air Kerala’s headquarters in Kochi poised to become a hub for aviation activity.
The airline aims to create at least 350 job opportunities in Kerala, with additional employment prospects emerging in the UAE once international operations commence.
