A prominent UAE-based travel group, Alhind, is set to revolutionize the air travel experience for Indian expatriates by launching a new low-cost airline
With over three decades of experience in the travel industry, Alhind Group is moving forward with plans to establish “Alhind Air” to cater to the rapidly growing air traffic between India and the Gulf region. The Civil Aviation Ministry has already granted the group preliminary approval, signaling a significant step towards launching their airline.
Alhind Group Chairman Mohammad Haris recently announced that they are nearing the final stages of obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals. “We had a productive meeting with officials from Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) last week, where we submitted all the required documentation for landing permissions,” Haris stated. He added that they had previously secured a no-objection certificate (NOC) to initiate airline operations. “We aim to commence flights by January 2025, if not earlier,” Haris told Khaleej Times.
The launch of Alhind Air is expected to not only provide more affordable travel options for Indian expats but also foster greater connectivity within the region, contributing to the overall growth of the aviation market in both India and the Gulf
Initial Operations and Fleet Plans
Alhind Air plans to begin its operations with three ATR-72 turboprop aircraft, focusing on regional routes within southern India. Key initial routes will include connections between Cochin, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chennai. The group has outlined an investment range of ₹200 to ₹500 crores to expand its fleet gradually. A top official disclosed to CNBC-TV18 that the fleet would eventually comprise five ATR aircraft dedicated to regional routes. “We have secured comprehensive support from Cochin International Airport for our operations. Once all formalities are completed, we will begin the hiring process for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff,” the official stated.
Broader Business Vision
The launch of Alhind Air is a strategic move by the Alhind Group, which already boasts a diverse portfolio of travel-related services, including air ticketing, holiday packages, Haj-Umrah services, visa processing, and money exchange. The group’s robust sales network and a turnover of ₹20,000 crores provide a strong foundation for the airline’s successful debut. As one of the leading players in the travel and tourism industry both in India and internationally, the group sees this expansion into aviation as an opportunity to enhance competition, potentially lowering airfares and improving service quality for travelers.
Chairman Mohammad Haris emphasized that this new venture aligns with the group’s broader strategy to tap into the burgeoning air traffic between India and the Gulf. In addition to being the General Sales Agent (GSA) for multiple airlines, Alhind Group aims to leverage its extensive industry expertise and network to ensure Alhind Air’s successful launch and growth in the competitive aviation sector.
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