The year 2025 will see another low-cost airline being added to the Indian aviation space. Air Kerala is already hiring for technical and operational positions in the country. The hiring for the marketing, sales and commercial teams will take place in the UAE. Hiring for pilots and cabin crew has begun in earnest. So far, a chief pilot has been hired as well as a vice president of operations and a vice president of security.
Operations are expected to commence in June 2025. To begin with, it is tying up with Kannur International Airport (KIAL) for its initial flights to locations that can be reached in an hour and a half. That means it is presently focusing on regional connectivity. It will facilitate the catching of international flights from Kannur making KIAL the transit point for international travellers from the nearby regions. Its international flights will become operational in a year’s time. It aims to link Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad with tier-two cities.
Initially, the airline will reportedly fly regional twin-engine turboprop ATR aircraft meant for shorter distances. Its fleet and capabilities will be expanded with time and growth. That means narrow-body jets will be added in due course.
Once the required approvals are obtained, Air Kerala will launch flights to various popular international destinations including Vietnam, Thailand, Qater, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and the UAE.
Afy Ahmed is the chairman of Air Kerala.
