Mohammed Haris Thattarathil, chairman of Alhind Group, says Alhind Air is on track to start domestic Indian flights by the end of the year using ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops, and intends to begin international operations around two years later, potentially using Airbus narrowbodies.
In an interview with the newspaper Mathrubhumi, he says that launching an airline is a "natural progression" for the travel and tourism company.
"Our extensive network, customer base, and understanding of the sector have equipped us with the necessary foundation to operate an airline successfully," he said. "We believe that launching an airline will provide us with greater control over the travel experience we offer our customers, enabling us to deliver personalised and seamless journeys."
"We have implemented a comprehensive strategy that includes cost-effective fleet selection, efficient operations, and strategic partnerships," he added. "We have chosen the ATR72-600 as our initial fleet, known for its fuel efficiency and suitability for regional operations."
"As we expand our operations, we may consider adding larger widebody and narrowbody aircraft like the A319-100 and A320 types to accommodate longer-haul flights," he said. "Our fleet expansion plans include acquiring more than 20 aircraft for getting eligibility for international operations."
In August, ch-aviation reported that Alhind Air had secured a no-objection certificate from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a precursor to obtaining an air operator's certificate (AOC). Backed by tour operator Alhind Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd, part of Alhind Group, the start-up aims to begin domestic flights out of Kochi International using three ATRs.
"Our initial investment in the airline venture is estimated to be between INR2 billion and INR5 billion rupees" (USD23.8-59.5 million)," Thattarathil said. "We plan to gradually increase our investment to INR30 billion [USD357 million], which will support our fleet expansion and operational growth. To fund this expansion, we will explore various financing options, including equity, debt, and strategic partnerships."
Thattarathil says Alhind intends to "leverage" Kerala's four airports to build up a domestic presence, with Kochi International as its hub (the others being Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode). The initial focus will be on South India before expanding into other parts of India and international markets - all depending on demand, tourism, and economic growth potential. He said the planned start dates are subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions.
