Looking Ahead:
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With its No Objection Certificate (NOC) already secured from India’s civil aviation ministry, Air Kerala is set to address the long-standing demand for better connectivity between smaller cities and metro hubs
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Its ambitious plans to establish an aviation academy and promote tourism underline the airline’s vision to serve as a catalyst for regional development
Air Kerala, a low-cost regional airline spearheaded by two Dubai-based entrepreneurs, is preparing to launch domestic operations from Kannur (Kerala) and Mysuru (Karnataka) by June 2025, reported Khaleej Times. The airline aims to enhance regional connectivity across India, prioritizing affordability, reliability, and punctuality.
Speaking from India, Afi Ahmed, the airline’s chairman, highlighted the milestone. “This is a huge step for us as Air Kerala, and we are on track to begin domestic operations by June. Collaborating with Kannur and Mysuru underscores our commitment to boosting regional air travel.”
The airline has signed agreements with the Airports Authority of India-Mysuru, alongside Mysuru Member of Parliament Yaduveer Wadiyar, to establish an aviation academy in Mysuru and promote regional tourism.
Air Kerala’s leadership team comprises seasoned experts, including:
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Hareesh Kutty, CEO
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Kirti Rao, CFO with over 30 years of experience in aviation finance
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Captain CS Randhawa, President of the Indian Pilots Federation
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Captain Ashutosh Vashishth, a noted BCAS expert
Expanding Horizons
International operations are expected to begin by late 2026, with Kochi serving as the airline’s main hub. Recently, Air Kerala received Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) clearance, bringing it closer to acquiring an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a prerequisite for commercial flight operations.
“Our long-term vision includes connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with Tier 1 and metro airports, enhancing accessibility and convenience for travelers,” added Ayub Kallada, the airline’s vice-chairman.
Customer-Centric Approach
Air Kerala is committed to offering affordable fares without compromising punctuality. CEO Hareesh Kutty emphasized this priority: “Timely operations and avoiding delays will be our main focus, ensuring customer satisfaction at every step.”
Building a Team of Experts
The airline has been actively hiring experienced aviation professionals, especially from the UAE and GCC regions, to strengthen its operations. “We’re prioritizing candidates with expertise in commercial and operational roles and are also recruiting pilots,” said Ahmed.
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