KOCHI- The new regional carrier from Kerala’s Alhind Group, Alhind Air, is preparing to begin operations by late 2025. If started, it should mark a notable addition to India’s fast-growing aviation market.
In the final approval stage, the airline has already obtained the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The airline is set to launch flights from its home base at Kochi International Airport.
Photo: Alhind Airlines, Compounded by Aviation A2ZAlhind Air to Launch with ATR Fleet
Alhind Air’s debut fleet will consist of two to three ATR 72 turboprop aircraft, as per what the airline said. ATR was said to be chosen for its efficiency and suitability for short-haul and regional operations across southern India.
Alhind Air plans to invest between ₹200 crore and ₹500 crore initially, with a rapid scale-up to seven ATRs within its first year. Over time, the carrier intends to add more than 20 aircraft, potentially including Airbus A319 or A320 jets, enabling medium-haul and international routes.
The airline is backed by the Alhind Group. It is a diversified travel and tourism player with an annual turnover of around ₹20,000 crore and over 130 offices worldwide. Alhind Air benefits from deep sector expertise.
The group is already a General Sales Agent (GSA) for several international carriers, giving it a ready-made distribution network and travel trade relationships. Shilpa Bhatia, formerly of SpiceJet, has been appointed CEO. Kochi International Airport will serve as the operational base and headquarters for the airline.
Photo: Alhind Airlines, Compounded by Aviation A2ZAlhind Air Initial Network
In the recent tweet made by the Hubballi Airport, it is now confirmed that Alhind Air is planning to launch a Kochi–Bengaluru–Hubballi–Bengaluru–Kochi route in its early schedule. The expansion into Karnataka adds another underserved market to its portfolio.
The move also signals that the airline is not limiting itself to Kerala routes. For Hubballi, the service from Kochi will be via Bengaluru. This way, the airline could fill the aircraft from Bengaluru, which otherwise could be difficult to do from Kochi.
The airline had said that the initial network will link Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The strategy shall address a clear gap in regional connectivity and offer faster and more frequent services.
Alhind Air has also signaled plans to begin international operations within two years of launch. The airline would want to cater to Kerala’s sizeable expatriate population. If Alhind Air expands well, then it can leverage its own domestic network as a feeder for international flights.
How Tough Will the Competition Be?
Photo: Courtesy of CreatorFrom its initial network plans, the carrier will be entering regional markets. The market is currently dominated by IndiGo and Air India Express.
The airline seems to believe that by focusing on underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 routes, it can sidestep head-on competition.
Avoiding saturated trunk sectors while gradually building brand recognition could be a good strategy. The ATR 72’s can operate from shorter runways and has lower operating costs. This will be a critical advantage for regional operations where the regional airports have limited infrastructure.
An Ambitious Start for Alhind Air
Photo: Alhind AirThe earlier mid-2025 launch timeline has been missed by Alhind Air. Given the current regulatory progress, the airline might face challenges such as managing operational costs to sustain load factors in smaller markets.
However, its combination of strong financial backing, experienced leadership, and strategic market selection gives it a solid foundation. India has a lot of potential when it comes to regional connectivity.
Alhind Air could become a key driver of regional connectivity in southern India if the airline can execute well. New players potentially push down fares as well on routes long dominated by larger carriers.
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India is Gearing Up to Welcome New Airlines in 2025
The post Alhind Air to Launch These New Routes by Late 2025 appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
