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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

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: 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

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.

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