Indian start-up Alhind Air has secured a no-objection certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), an important step towards obtaining its air operator's certificate (AOC). It is now in the process of completing the requirements to get its AOC.
Backed by tour operator Alhind Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd, part of Alhind Group, Alhind Air says it hopes to start domestic flights later this year out of Kochi International using three ATR72s. "The airline will initially focus on building a robust domestic network before expanding its reach to international destinations," a statement reads.
"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."
The statement says that Alhind Tours & Travels is a "prominent" player in the Indian travel and tourism industry with domestic and international offices and an annual turnover exceeding INR200 billion rupees (USD2.38 billion). Indian news outlets cited an unnamed company official as saying it is prepared to spend INR2-5 billion (USD24-60 million) in start-up costs and hopes to expand to five ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops relatively swiftly before reaching 20 aircraft after two years of operations. At this point, Alhind Air will begin 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."
