Babina at 03:02, 21 January 2026

2026-01-21T03:02:15Z

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{{Short description|Proposed airline based in South India}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox airline
| airline = Air Kerala
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| parent = Cochin International Airport Limited
| founded = {{start date and age|2006|02||df=yes}}
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| headquarters = [[Kochi]]
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| website = {{URL|www.airkerala.com}}
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'''Air Kerala''' is a proposed [[low-cost airline|ultra-low-cost]] [[regional airline]] project, promoted by the [[Government of Kerala]], registered as a subsidiary of the [[Cochin International Airport Limited]] (CIAL).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/24/stories/2006022401770800.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060226071658/http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/24/stories/2006022401770800.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 February 2006 |title=Cities / Kochi : New companies registered |date=24 February 2006 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=18 October 2012}}</ref> In March 2015, the board of directors of the airline decided to defer the start of commercial operations until a clear picture of relevant government rules emerged.<ref name = "TH4">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/air-kerala-fails-to-take-wings/article7042011.ece |title=Air Kerala fails to take wings |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 March 2015 |access-date=13 June 2015}}</ref>

The airline had initially planned to commence operations in April 2013,<ref>{{cite web|author=IANS |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/air-kerala-will-take-off-by-april-14/article3979495.ece |title=Today's Paper / IN SCHOOL : Air Kerala 'will take off by April 14' |work=The Hindu |date=9 October 2012 |access-date=18 October 2012}}</ref> however, the Indian government's stipulation, that an Indian airline seeking to operate international air services should first have a fleet of at least 20 aircraft and a five-year experience in operating domestic services, had put the project on the backburner.<ref name="HINDU">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/chandy-hopeful-of-pursuing-air-kerala/article5643897.ece |title=Chandy hopeful of pursuing Air Kerala |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2 February 2014 |access-date=24 September 2014}}</ref>

Air Kerala was to be India's first airline with a State government as one of the primary stakeholders. The State government, CIAL and other public sector companies were together to hold 26% of the shares of the company, while the remaining 74% were to be issued to individuals and private groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3900357.ece |title=Cities / Kochi : Air Kerala on a strong ground |work=The Hindu |date=15 September 2012 |access-date=18 October 2012}}</ref>

In July 2024, UAE-based businessman Afi Ahmed announced plans to use the Air Kerala [[domain name]], which he owns, to market scheduled commuter air transport services in the state of Kerala.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/aviation/2024/07/09/new-indian-carrier-air-kerala-closer-to-launch-with-plans-to-expand-to-uae-by-2026/ | title=New Indian carrier Air Kerala closer to launch with plans to expand to UAE by 2026 }}</ref>

==History==
The project was first proposed in 2005 during the Chief Ministership of [[Oommen Chandy]] and '''Air Kerala International Services''' was registered as a fully owned subsidiary of [[Cochin International Airport]] in February 2006. However the proposal went to cold storage, after the ruling [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|UDF]] government stepped down in 2006. On returning to power in 2011, the UDF government decided to revive the project. The hardship faced by the [[Kerala Gulf diaspora|Non-resident Keralites]], due to high airfares and frequent cancellation of flights between Kerala and the [[Gulf countries]], led to the revival of the Air Kerala proposal. The project has evoked good interest from the various [[Malayali]] businessmen and Non-resident Keralites in the Middle East.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130103112135/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-07/special-report/34305943_1_air-kerala-cial-three-international-airports Kerala set to fly solo]</ref>

==Business plan==
The primary objective of the airline was to eventually operate international flights to the Middle East, where around 2.5 million [[Keralites]] are employed. The airline would follow the model of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), which is India's first [[PPPs|PPP]] airport.

Air Kerala planned to raise {{INR}} 200 crore through equity as initial capital. While 26% of shares were to be held by the state government, CIAL and public sector undertakings, the remaining 74% would be held by shareholders. The state government and CIAL would fund {{INR}} 50 crore each while {{INR}} 100 crore would be mobilized from the public as shares. Each share was valued at {{INR}} 10,000 and it was expected that at least {{formatnum:200000}} Keralites would invest in the project. Consultancy firm [[Ernst & Young]], that conducted a study in 2006, is now preparing the [[Detailed Project Report]] for the government.<ref name="Air Kerala">[https://web.archive.org/web/20150324040651/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-10-15/news/34473085_1_air-kerala-gulf-sector-foreign-airlines Air Kerala may fly overseas on FDI]</ref>

==Hurdles==

The proposal of starting the airline was first floated in 2006. But the [[Central government of India|central government]] rejected the proposal, as it did not meet the criteria for operating international services. The [[Government of Kerala]] sought speedy approval from the [[Ministry of Civil Aviation (India)|MoCA]] for launching Air Kerala. The government also sought exemptions on the MoCA regulatory norms, that require airline companies at least five years experience in [[domestic flight]] operations and a minimum fleet size of 20 aircraft, to start international flight services.<ref name = "BS7"/> The state government cited the exemption given by the central government to [[Air India]] when it launched its subsidiary, [[Air India Express]].<ref name="Air Kerala"/>

== Timeline ==
Air Kerala was expected to submit formal application in November 2012 before the [[Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India)]] (DGCA) for getting the no objection certificate for services, as stated by the Minister for Fisheries, Port and Excise, Shri. [[K. Babu]], who is also a member of the director board of Air Kerala.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130103104651/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-23/kochi/34679402_1_air-kerala-international-flight-operations-director-board Air Kerala to approach DGCA for NOC]</ref>

=== 2014 ===
In February 2014, former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy indicated that the central government's requirements for initiating international airline operations had stalled the project's progress. He affirmed his administration's commitment to pursuing the initiative if these prerequisites were relaxed. Subsequently, in December 2014, the Board of Directors opted to commence domestic operations instead. Negotiations commenced to lease a 15-seater aircraft for service between the state's three airports. However, the plan shifted towards acquiring an aircraft with a five-hour non-stop flight capability. This aimed to expedite the accumulation of the minimum domestic flying credits mandated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/cial-continues-to-fly-high/article6734726.ece |title=CIAL continues to fly high |work=[[The Hindu]] |date= 29 December 2014 |access-date=29 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="HINDU"/><ref name = "TH4" />

=== March 2015 ===
In March 2015, the airline's board of directors opted to postpone the launch of commercial operations pending clarification regarding the proposed amendments to the '5/20' rule.<ref name="TH4" /> As of 2017, the rule has been revised to the 0/20 format. As per the new guidelines, any airline with 20 aircraft or that keeps aside 20 percent of their fleet exclusively for domestic sectors can fly abroad. The five-year domestic flying experience has been revoked.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/business/civil-aviation-policy-cleared-020-rule-is-a-clincher-for-vistara-airasia-india-2836004.html |title=Civil aviation policy cleared: 0/20 rule is a clincher for Vistara, AirAsia India |publisher=Firstpost.com |date=2016-06-15 |access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref><ref name ="BS7">{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/cabinet-clears-civil-aviation-policy-replaces-5-20-rule-116061500325_1.html |title=Cabinet clears civil aviation policy, replaces 5/20 condition with 0/20 rule | Business Standard News |publisher=Business-standard.com |date= 15 June 2016|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref>

== Zettfly Aviation ==
In April 2023, UAE-based Keralite businessman Afi Ahmed acquired the domain name airkerala.com and expressed his willingness to collaborate with the government on the Air Kerala project. Mr Ahmed offered to donate the domain and lend his full support if the government decides to revive the initiative.<ref>[https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-based-businessman-tries-to-revive-plans-for-new-indian-airline-invests-dh1-million-in-domain-na Khaleej times reported]</ref> However, the Government of Kerala and Cochin International Airport Limited (the company which owned the trademark name (of AIR KERALA)) expressed that the plan of operating an airline has not been shelved. The viability of collaborating with a private operator for this purpose has not been contemplated, as it involves decision-making at the policy level.

In July 2024, Afi Ahmed's private company, [https://zettfly.com/ Zettfly Aviation], announced that they had received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the [[Ministry of Civil Aviation (India)|Ministry of Civil Aviation]] to operate scheduled commuter air transport services for three years. Zettfly will use Ahmed's Air Kerala domain name to market its services. It would be the first regional airline to be based in Kerala.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/aviation/dubai-businessmen-launch-low-cost-airline-air-kerala-plan-to-slash-prices-for-expats?_refresh=true|title=Miss Teen International 2024: Beauties from 30 Countries Say 'Wah Taj' During Taj Mahal Visit|work=[[Khaleej Times]]}}</ref> Zettfly is working to obtain an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) and will start operations with three [[ATR 72-600]] aircraft<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asianetnews.com/companies/setfly-aviation-kerala-based-company-announces-air-kerala-flight-service-sgat56|title=Air Kerala Airline Service Announced: First Kerala-based Airline to Receive Operating Permit|work=[[Asianet News]]|language=ml}}</ref> Being set up as an "ultra-low-cost airline", Ahmed plans to start with three ATR 72-600 aircraft<ref>{{cite web | url=https://airkerala.com/our-aircraft | title=Air Kerala Fleet}}</ref> aiming for six aircraft by mid-2026 and eventually reaching 20 aircraft for international expansion.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://safariindia.com/aviation-industry/indias-newest-airline-air-kerala-to-start-regional-and-intl-flights-from-kannur-in-2025-8580422 | title=Air Kerala's Expansion Plans}}</ref>

Zettfly named C. S. Randhawa, a veteran pilot with nearly 50 years of experience, as Vice President of Operations to help prepare for the airline's launch. Ashutosh Vashishth, a former army officer and aviation security expert, was appointed Vice President of Security. Harish Kutty was appointed the airline's Chief Executive Officer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2024/10/04/air-kerala-top-management-hiring/|title=Air Kerala Set for 2025 Launch with Top Management Hiring|work=aviationa2z.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/aviation/air-kerala-onboards-two-aviation-veterans-to-head-operations-and-security-19486079.html|title=Air Kerala onboards two aviation veterans to head operations and security|work=[[CNBC TV18]]|language=en}}</ref>

Zettfly will initially target tier-2 and tier-3 airports across South and Central India to cater to Kerala's large expatriate community and domestic travellers. It will connect major cities like [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]], [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]], [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]] and [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], while also focusing on underserved tier-2 cities. Upon securing international route permissions, Zettfly plans to prioritize high-demand routes to the Middle East, including destinations such as [[Zayed International Airport|Abu Dhabi]] and [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]] in the UAE, [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]] and [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]] in Saudi Arabia, and [[Hamad International Airport|Qatar]]. Subsequently, the airline intends to expand its network to Southeast Asian countries, such as [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Thailand]], [[Tan Son Nhat International Airport|Vietnam]], and [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Malaysia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/money/interview-afi-ahmed-air-kerala-founder-1.9895684|title=Exclusive! 'Air Kerala will offer affordable fares without compromising passenger experience'|work=[[Mathrubhumi]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/travel-news/2024/12/18/al-hind-air-kerala-airlines-dates-routes-management.html | title=Kerala-Based Airlines Coming Soon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://safariindia.com/aviation-industry/indias-newest-airline-air-kerala-to-start-regional-and-intl-flights-from-kannur-in-2025-8580422 | title=Air Kerala’s International Focus}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://archive.today/20130103112135/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-07/special-report/34305943_1_air-kerala-cial-three-international-airports Kerala set to fly solo]
* [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Air-Kerala-may-fly-overseas-on-FDI/articleshow/16814086.cms Air Kerala may fly overseas on FDI]
* [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/air-kerala-tour-operators-ready-to-buy-50-seats/article4011813.ece Air Kerala: tour operators ready to buy 50% seats]

{{Clear}}
{{Airlines of India}}

[[Category:Government-owned companies of Kerala]]
[[Category:Proposed airlines of India]]
[[Category:Airlines established in 2006]]

Air Kerala - Revision history

Babina at 03:02, 21 January 2026