Exclusive: Kerala-based Alhind Group set to launch an airline
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.
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