2024-09-18
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New Delhi,India: Air Kerala is on track to become a reality with the Ministry of Civil Aviation granting the necessary NOC. Driven by the vision of two Dubai-based businessmen, the airline aims to ease travel for the vast Malayali diaspora, many of whom work in Gulf countries.
Scheduled to begin operations in early 2025, Air Kerala will launch with three ATR 72-600 aircraft, initially serving tier-2 and tier-3 cities within India. With a three-year approval for domestic routes, the airline plans to expand internationally to Gulf countries once it has a fleet of 20 aircraft.
“The initial investment for our project is approximately Dh110 million. Our international flights will bring job opportunities to the UAE, with Dubai being one of our first destinations,” said Afi Ahmed, chairman of Zettfly, a domestic airline company backing the project.
Air Kerala is poised to address travel challenges faced by the Malayali diaspora and provide cost-effective solutions to high airfares. The airline is also expected to boost Kerala's tourism industry and create around 350 job opportunities within the state, with top positions likely filled by local aviation experts.
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