Start-up Jettwings Airways (Guwahati) has received permission to operate across 12 sectors in India’s Northeast, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar states under the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) connectivity scheme, the airline told local media.

The Economic Times newspaper reported that under the UDAN scheme, Jettwings will be able to fly to and from Agra, Bareilly, Cooch Behar, Gangtok, Gaya, Guwahati, Kanpur Chakeri, and Kullu using a ATR72-600 turboprop fleet. Initially it was eyeing an E175 fleet.

"JettWings Airways will be the first airline from the Northeast region scheduled to operate its fixed-wing aircraft on commercial routes from this year with modern deck turbofan regional jets, supported by a robust business plan to acquire and operate 42 aircraft in the first five years,” the company outlined in a statement.

The airline was created with the objective of connecting North East India, where the region’s rugged terrain and limited road infrastructure make air travel crucial.

ch-aviation has reached out to JettWings for comment on when it expects to receive an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and launch operations.