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KOCHI: Alhind Air, a new player in the airline sector, is set to commence operations by mid-2025. The private airline, promoted by the Alhind Group, is expecting the first of the seven ATR 72-600 aircraft to be delivered in March next year. The airline, which will start its operations with Kochi as the hub, started its office at the Kochi airport the other day. “We’ll initially start with Kochi as our only base. However, our strategy is to adopt the ‘multi-base concept’ as part of expanding our network in a phased manner once we start the operations by the middle of next year. This is vital as the ATR 72, a proven aircraft most-widely used in the country, has a maximum range of two-and-a-half hours of flying,” Reena Abdul Rahiman, newly-appointed chief operating officer, told TNIE. While Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has allocated space for the office after the applications were submitted six months back, the airline has started working from the aero-lounge located at Terminal 2. “We’ll set up a dedicated office at the allocated space once the operations start in another six months. Now the activities like recruitment of engineering and technical teams are progressing and we require a space where there is free public access,” the official pointed out. While keeping regional connectivity as the foundation for organic growth, the airline also plans to expand its global footprint in the future. “Our initial priority will be Kerala connectivity, the Kochi-Thiruvananthapuram-Calicut sector. We aim to connect over 40 airports across India before expanding to the Gulf in 18 months. Operations will begin with two ATR aircraft, with plans to scale up to seven ATRs within a year,” Reena said, adding that the airline aims to buy wide-bodied aircraft -- either Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, after two years as part of its long-term strategy. The airline plans to connect six destinations with each of the 72-seat aircraft. “Once we start the commercial operations, we plan to set up multi-bases and expand connectivity to destinations like Pondicherry, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Madurai, Goa and Mangaluru. We expect to have the delivery of the first aircraft by March and it will take another 45 to 60 days to finish the processes, including trial flying. We’re hopeful of receiving the air operation certificate (AOC), the final clearance from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), by that time,” the official added. The airline received the initial nod of the DGCA earlier in August. Alhind Group, which has a turnover of over Rs 20,000 crore and more than 130 offices in India and overseas, is the general sales agent for many reputed airlines. Future goals The group plans to set up multi-bases and expand connectivity to destinations like Pondicherry, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Madurai, Goa and Mangaluru It aims to buy wide-bodied aircraft ­— either Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, after 2 years as part of its long-term strategy

India’s aviation sector is rapidly expanding, with numerous airline groups vying for market share. The industry offers a viable alternative to time-sensitive transport like rail and road and serves as a key mode of convenience for many passengers. As shown in the graph below, IndiGo holds a 61.6% market share in 2024 while maintaining codeshare agreements and serving over 85 million passengers in 2023. However, the competition is set to intensify by mid-2025 with the anticipated launch of Alhind Air. As Alhind Air prepares to enter the competitive aviation market, it builds on the success of its parent company, the Alhind Group of Companies. Founded in Kerala in the early 1990s, the group has become a prominent name in travel and tourism. With over 130 offices globally, it combines high-quality, customer-oriented services with innovative technology. This blend has earned the group several accolades, further strengthening its industry presence. With over 30 years of experience, the Alhind Group also supports airlines as a general sales provider, having a recorded turnover of over Rs. 20,000 crores. Alhind Air's Senior Leadership Team met the Civil Aviation Minister The senior leadership team of Alhind Air met the Civil Aviation Minister © Alhind Group of Companies. Alhind Air Alhind Air plans to enter the aviation market in mid-2025, initially focusing on regional routes. It will begin with two ATR aircraft, scaling to seven within the same year. The leadership team includes Alexander Nwuba, Chief Financial Advisor with experience at SkyWest, and Mohammed Abid Hussain, an engineering veteran from GMR. With this experienced team, the airline company is well-positioned to successfully enter the competitive aviation landscape.

Kochi-based AlHind Group-promoted upcoming airline Alhind Air is gearing up launching its services in the regional space by mid-2025 with the appointment of key senior executives including Chief Financial Advisor, Director of Engineering and Chief Security Officer. The airline plans to start flying with two ATR aircraft and plans to scale up the fleet to seven ATRs within a year of launch, which it is aiming for by June next year. As part of the management team, AlHind Air said it has brought in aviation veteran Alexander Nwuba as the Chief Financial Advisor. Nwuba has previously been associated with airlines such as SkyWest Airline, Westair Benin and Asky Airline. Mohammed Abid Hussain who has held key roles at multiple MRO companies including GMR has been appointed as Director of Engineering & Maintenance, AlHind Air said.

Kerala is an attractive market for start-up airlines: Al Hind Group Kerala, a growing hotspot for new start-up airlines will witness the launch of Al Hind Airlines in a few months from now. Launching an airline was a natural progression for Al Hind as they are already rooted in the travel and tourism industry, but managing operating costs, stiff competition from new as well as seasoned players, routes planning etc seems like a task in itself. Even as the airline management is busy getting the required approvals and making an action plan ready for launch, Mathrubhumi English reached out to Mohammed Haris Thattarathil , Director of the Al Hind Group of Companies. Here's what he had to say: Al Hind Group is into the travel and tourism business. What propelled you to venture into an airline business? The decision to venture into the airline business was a natural progression for Al Hind Group, given our deep-rooted experience in the travel and tourism industry. Our extensive network, customer base, and understanding of the sector have equipped us with the necessary foundation to operate an airline successfully. We believe that launching an airline will provide us with greater control over the travel experience we offer our customers, enabling us to deliver personalized and seamless journeys. How do you plan on tackling the challenges like managing operating costs and taking on competitor airlines with much larger fleets? Managing operating costs is a significant challenge in the airline industry. To address this, we have implemented a comprehensive strategy that includes cost-effective fleet selection, efficient operations, strategic partnerships etc. We have chosen the ATR 72-600 aircraft as our initial fleet, known for its fuel efficiency and suitability for regional operations. We will leverage our existing infrastructure and expertise in the travel industry to streamline our operations and minimize costs. We will focus on maximizing revenue through various channels, including ancillary services, cargo transportation, and strategic alliances. Regarding competition, we recognize the presence of larger airlines in the Indian market. However, we believe that our unique value proposition, coupled with our strong brand and customer loyalty, will enable us to carve out a niche in the market. We will differentiate ourselves by offering exceptional customer service, competitive fares, and convenient flight schedules. Can you throw some light on the initial investment plans? Our initial investment in the airline venture is estimated to be between Rs 200 crore and Rs 500 crore. We plan to gradually increase our investment to Rs 3000 crore, 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. Kerala has four airports. What are your plans for local operations? How do you gradually plan to scale up your international operations, can you share some tentative deadlines that you are looking at, for domestic as well as international launch? We plan to leverage Kerala's four airports to establish a strong presence in the domestic market. However, we are looking to make Kochi as our primary hub. Our initial focus will be on connecting major cities within South India, gradually expanding our network to other parts of India and eventually international destinations. We aim to commence domestic operations by the end of this year. And we anticipate launching international flights within two years of starting domestic operations, subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions. What kind of airplanes are you looking at and what sort of customisations can be expected to enhance passenger experience? Our initial fleet will consist of ATR 72-600 aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and suitability for regional routes. As we expand our operations, we may consider adding larger wide-body and narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A319, and A320 to accommodate longer-haul flights. Our fleet expansion plans include acquiring more than 20 aircraft for getting eligibility for international operations. What about crew uniforms, recruitment, and the ethos of the airline? We are developing a distinct brand identity inculcating India’s rich culture for our airline, which will be reflected in our crew uniforms. We will recruit highly qualified and experienced aviation professionals to ensure the safety and efficiency of our operations. Our ethos will be centered around providing exceptional customer service, safety, and reliability. How competitive will Al Hind be when it comes to ticket fares? We aim to offer competitive fares to attract passengers. While we cannot disclose specific pricing details at this stage, we will carefully consider market dynamics and our operational costs to determine our pricing strategy. Our goal is to provide an excellent flying experience to customers with competitive pricing. Can you tell our readers about your connectivity plans and target destinations, along with your reasons for choosing these destinations as your launch routes? Our initial focus will be on domestic routes within South India, connecting major cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, and Chennai. We will gradually expand our network to include other parts of India and eventually international destinations. We will be identifying key destinations based on demand, tourism potential, and economic growth. What are your expectations from the government in terms of concessions? We are actively engaging with the government to explore potential concessions and support for our airline venture. We would like to see continued investment in airport infrastructure to facilitate our growth. We seek clear and supportive regulatory frameworks to streamline our operations. Our aim is to connect all four airports in Kerala, making air travel accessible to a broader range of passengers. However, some routes may not be economically viable due to logistical challenges. In such cases, we would seek support from the State Government in the form of Viability Gap Funding, similar to the support provided by the Central Government under the UDAN scheme. The aviation sector is currently grappling with supply chain issues coupled with a pilot and AME (skilled labor) shortage. What are your views? The current challenges facing the aviation sector, such as supply chain disruptions and labour shortages, are significant concerns. We are closely monitoring these developments and taking proactive steps to mitigate their impact on our operations. To address the shortage of skilled labour, we will be partnering with aviation training institutions and may invest in training programs to develop our pool of trained personnel. Kerala seems like a hotspot for start-up airlines currently. How do you propose to be different from other start-up airlines in India? Kerala's growing tourism industry and increasing air travel demand make it an attractive market for start-up airlines. We will strive to provide an exceptional customer experience through personalized service, comfortable amenities, and competitive fares. Al Hind's 30+ years of industry experience, 80 Kerala branches, 10000+ B2B agents and 20000 crore turnover provide a deep understanding of the local market and culture that will enable us to cater effectively to the needs of Kerala's travelers. We will actively engage with the local community and support social and economic development initiatives. Read more at: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/money/exclusive-interview-alhind-group-chairman-mohammed-haris-thattarathil-1.9999871

Ready for Liftoff: alhind air's Leadership Team Meets with Civil Aviation Minister to Discuss Operational Readiness and Industry contribution.

KOCHI: Kozhikode-based Alhind Group, which has received initial approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry to start an airline, plans to make Kochi the hub and is eyeing services in regional connectivity routes such as Kochi-Bengaluru, Kochi-Mysuru and Kochi-Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai. The group, which enjoys a major presence in the travel industry in India and abroad, is preparing to enter the aviation sector with its new airline service ‘Alhind Air’ by the year-end. It’s in talks with two aircraft manufacturers in Europe and Dubai for procuring three ATR-72 turboprop planes initially. “Senior company officials have already initiated talks with the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) authorities to make Kochi the hub of our operations. Alhind Air has become the first airline from Kerala to submit an application to CIAL,” T C Vivek, Operations Manager, Alhind Group of Companies, told TNIE. “We’re also exploring the possibility of operating in certain routes under the UDAN scheme like Kochi-Mysuru. Alhind Air is on track to be launched as a regional commuter airline,” he added. A CIAL spokesperson confirmed the receipt of the application. “Yes they have informed us about the approvals and approached us for an initial level of discussions. We are ready to consider their requirements on slot allotment favourably,” he said. Alhind Air also plans to expand operations to international destinations at a later stage. “We’re looking at an initial investment of Rs 200 to 500 cr to procure three ATR-72 aircraft by the time of receiving the final nod -- Air Operator Certificate (AOC)--from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). We’ve also prepared a long-term business plan to procure large aircraft such as Airbus-320 for international operations once we prove our mettle with the domestic services,” the company official pointed out. A new airline will have to procure at least 20 aircraft to start international operations. “Akasa Air was granted the permission in 18 months. We’re also looking at the same space at a later stage and have already initiated the homework for that. Alhind Air aims to offer the same world-class services at low costs, similar to the offerings of the Alhind Group, which includes air ticketing, holiday packages, Hajj-Umrah services and money exchange at competitive rates,” he added. Alhind Group, with a turnover of over Rs 20,000 crore and more than 130 offices in India and overseas, is headquartered in Kozhikode and has a regional office in Delhi. Gearing up to fly sky high The company is in talks with two aircraft manufacturers in Europe and Dubai for procuring three ATR-72 turboprop planes initially Also plans to expand operations to international destinations at a later stage

An Indian business group with presence in the UAE will launch an airline that they claim will provide economical air tickets for residents. The Alhind group, which has been operating in the travel industry for more than three decades, have received the mandatory clearance required to start its domestic airline in India. The group chairman, Mohammad Haris, told Khaleej Times that they were in the final stages of getting approvals. “Last week, we had a meeting with officials at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL); we submitted all documents required for landing permission at the airport,” he said. “We had earlier received the no objection certificate (NOC) to start the airline. We are hoping to begin operations by January 2025, if not earlier.” Alhind Airline will begin with three ATR-72 turboprop planes. Initially serving just Indian cities, the company has plans to expand rapidly. “We will start with three flights but as soon as we have 20 flights, we will begin international operations and our first destination will be the UAE,” confirmed a spokesperson for the company. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. “We have had a presence in this region for several years and some of our most loyal customers are from the UAE. We will aim to keep our ticket prices as one of the lowest in the market to serve the expats here. The Middle East will be the focus of our international operations.” Although he did not commit to a definitive time frame for start of international operations, he said the company is aiming for it at the earliest. “Previously, Akash Airline in India started its international operations within just 17 months of starting its domestic airline,” he said. “We are hoping to follow a similar timeline if not shorter.” According to him, Alhind management has engaged in discussions with key figures, including India’s Civil Aviation Minister and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, who have both offered whole-hearted support to the project. With its headquarters based out of the southern Indian state of Kerala, Alhind group has a presence across various segments including ticketing, tour operations, charters, hotel bookings, and visa services. According to company records, the group has a turnover of over Dh8 billion. The group, which operates under the umbrella of Alhind Business Centre in the UAE, has had a presence in the country for over 19 years. “We are a General Sales Agent and are already booking passengers for various Indian airlines including Spice Jet,” said the official. “So, starting an airline is a very natural progression for us. The planning and work of this has been going on for several years.” The official also confirmed that the group will operate an Airbus A320 for its Middle East routes, which will have a business class. To keep its costs low, the company will only hire minimal number of staff. “We already have two offices in Kerala and New Delhi,” he said. “We have hired only enough staff to keep our operations smooth. We want to keep our overheads low so that we can offer the most economical ticket rates to our customers. Once we start our international operations, we will have an office in the UAE.” Earlier, two-Dubai based businessmen spoke to Khaleej Times about launching a low cost airline Air Kerala, the Indian state's first regional airline. Under the name Zettfly Aviation, the airline received an NOC to operate scheduled commuter air transport services for three years. After the necessary preparations, the airline will first launch domestic flights in India's southernmost state, and later international expansion will see Dubai as one of its first international destinations.

KOCHI: A new airline is coming with Kerala as its headquarters. CNBC has reported that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted approval to the new airline of Alhind Group. It is said that the airline will commence operations later this year after obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the DGCA The airline will commence operations with three ATR-72 aircraft. The company, which is starting with an investment of 200 to 500 crores in the first phase, plans to expand its services with more aircraft in the next phase, according to a top official of the AlHind Group. The company plans to initially operate services from Kochi to Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai and later expand its operations to other major Indian cities and international destinations. After two years, it will use Airbus A320 aircraft to operate services to foreign cities. With this, the number of aircraft will increase to twenty. The airline will explore options for narrow-body aircraft with a seating capacity of 100 to 240 seats for international operations and will engage in discussions with Boeing and Airbus. Alhind is a company that has been operating in the travel and tourism industry in India and abroad for over thirty years. The company has a turnover of over Rs 20,000 crores and has more than 130 offices in India and abroad. The Alhind Group is also the General Sales Agent for several airlines

alhind Group Announces Exciting New Airline Launch. The prestigious alhind Group is set to make waves in the aviation industry with their latest venture—a new airline aimed at enhancing connectivity and offering innovative travel solutions. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking development.

KOCHI: Kozhikode-based travel service operator Alhind Group has received initial approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry to start an airline. Alhind Air aims to launch its operations by the end of this year, pending final approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The company plans to commence operations with three ATR-72 turboprop planes, with an initial investment of Rs 200-500 crore, according to reports. Alhind Air is the third airline company from a Keralite group to announce its entry into the rapidly growing aviation sector. In July, Dubai-based Malayalees’ Zett Fly announced the launch of Air Kerala, and in March, Manoj Chacko’s Fly91 hit the skies operating services between Goa, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Sindhudurg. As per reports, Alhind Air will initially focus on regional routes in South India, connecting Kochi with Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chennai, before becoming eligible to operate on the Kerala-West Asia circuit. Founded in the 1990s, Alhind Tours and Travels is a leading player in the travel and tourism sector in Kerala, offering a range of services to travelers. The company has expanded to establish offices in several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bangladesh, and Kuwait, according to its website.

The Alhind Hajj Sangamam and Study Class concluded successfully in Kozhikode. The event was organized by Alhind under the leadership of the Kerala Hajj Committee. The inauguration was presided over by C. Muhammad Faizi, Chairman of the Kerala Hajj Committee. M.P.M. Mubashir, Executive Director of Alhind, presided over the function. Dr. Sulaiman Melpaththur delivered the keynote address. Ibrahim Baqavi led the study class. Other prominent figures who participated in the event included Thodiyur Muhammad Kunju Moulavi, Abdul Noor Ustad, Haneef Dariami, Yaser Mundodan, Abdul Samad P.R., Hashim Makka, Shabeer Kottakkal, Najeeeb Naduttodi, Sharif C.M., and Abdul Samad P.R. The study class was a valuable opportunity for pilgrims to learn more about the Hajj pilgrimage. The event also provided a platform for pilgrims to connect with each other and share their experiences.

A heartwarming story of community spirit and generosity. Alhind Hajj Sangamam has made a significant impact on the life of a man confined to a wheelchair for 12 years by providing him with a new electric wheelchair. This life-changing gift will empower him to regain his independence and participate more fully in society.

Indian travel and tourism specialist Alhind Group has applied for an air operator's permit (AOP) from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), PV Valsaraj, the group's managing director, told CNBC-TV18. "About 95% of our approvals are done," he said, including security clearance, and the company is now awaiting final approvals including "a No Objection Certificate from the Civil Aviation Ministry." He named the Middle East and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, as likely destinations. "Our main aim is to start international flying. Over 60% of our ticketing business is for the Gulf and Far East," Valsaraj explained. "We are able to fill about 80% of planes. We have a deep-rooted sales network. New airlines have the challenge of building a network. The advantage for us is that we have already built the network for the past 30 years, so we know how the market is, the exact routes to be operated, and how profit generated." Alhind Group's website advertises "millions of cheap flights". It says the group was incorporated in 1992 in Kerala, and it also operates as Alhind & Middle East Travels in the Gulf. Services include separate B2B portals for online flight and accommodation bookings and financial services. The group also has divisions providing package tours, Hajj and Umrah tours to Saudi Arabia, car and coach hire, a construction firm, a recruitment agency, IT software solutions, an lATA-authorised training centre with aviation, cargo, and GDS courses, a bus company, a hotel, and visa services. The group claims to have achieveda turnover of INR200 billion rupees (USD2.38 billion) in 2023. Kerala will see the launch in 2025 of Air Kerala (Kochi International), with three ATR72-600s, having recently received an NOC from the Civil Aviation Ministry to operate regional commuter services.

India's aviation industry is set to see another new player taking to the skies after it secures the necessary approvals. Kerala-based Alhind Group of Companies, which has a presence across various segments including air ticketing, tour operating, charter flights, hotels, and visas, is now aiming to start its own airline after receiving the mandatory clearances. The group is looking to tap the fast-expanding air traffic between India and the Gulf. The group promoter, Mohammad Haris, told CNBC-TV18 that the company already has a network and customer base that makes it an ideal candidate for starting an airline. "Our group has ?20,000 crore turnover. And as a GSA (General Sales Agent), we are already booking passengers for various airlines including SpiceJet. So, we are in a position to set up an airline," Haris said. The group is believed to have bagged security clearances and is awaiting the final approvals. "About 95% of our approvals are done. We are now awaiting a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Civil Aviation Ministry and an AOC (Air Operator Certificate) from the Director General of Civil Aviation," said Valsaraj PV, the Managing Director of Alhind Group. He claimed that the company has a huge chunk of Hajj and Umrah traffic and is among the top five ticketing players for the Middle East and Far East countries. "Our main aim is to start international flying. Over 60% of our ticketing business is for the Gulf and Far East," Valsaraj said. The group's revenue from the air ticketing business alone stands at over ?600 crores per month, he added. "We are able to fill about 80% of planes. We have a deep-rooted sales network," he said, replying to a question on what gives confidence to the group to foresee a successful airline. "New airlines have the challenge of building a network. The advantage for us is that we have already built the network for the past 30 years, so we know how the market is, the exact route to be operated, and how profit is generated," Valsaraj said. Admitting that an airline venture was in the works for many years, Valsaraj claimed the company has support from sub-agents, IATA, and directly from passengers, adding that about 6,000 agents are already on board. "We have a good hold over traffic from Kerala and South India to the Gulf, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore." The group plans to have a fleet of ATRs for domestic and Airbus A320 planes for international operations. "If we start international, we will require a minimum of 20 aircraft," Valsaraj added.

We're thrilled to share that our dedicated efforts have yielded remarkable results! After a successful meeting in February 2024 with 28 airlines, the Calicut Airport Authority, and the Advisory Board, Air Asia's inaugural flight from Calicut to Kuala Lumpur has officially taken off! The first flight departed on August 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone for both the airport and travelers

In an effort to enhance cleanliness and support better sanitation practices, the Alhind Charitable Foundation has contributed waste bins to the Kozhikode Railway Station. This thoughtful gesture aims to promote proper waste management and create a healthier environment for travelers and station personnel alike. The Foundation's donation reflects its ongoing dedication to community welfare and environmental care.

In a bid to improve sanitation and promote cleanliness, the Alhind Charitable Foundation has donated waste bins to the Calicut KSRTC Bus Stand. This initiative will help ensure proper waste disposal and maintain a hygienic environment for both passengers and staff. The donation highlights the Foundation's commitment to social responsibility and civic well-being.

Kerala’s Biggest Holiday Expo-alhind Holiday Expo held at alhind tower on January 6&7, 2024. Honorable Minister of Tourism and Public Works Adv. P A Muhammed Riyas inaugurated the expo.