India’s new low-cost airline, Air Kerala, is set to begin operations this year. The airline will start flying in the second quarter of 2025 and is actively hiring staff for various positions. According to the airline’s Chairman, Afy Ahmed, the recruitment for technical and operational teams is happening in India, while sales, marketing, and other commercial staff are being recruited in the UAE.
Who Has Been Hired So Far?
Afy Ahmed mentioned that the company is focusing on hiring commercial staff from the UAE to handle sales and marketing. Hiring for pilots and cabin crew has already begun. The airline has also appointed a Chief Pilot and Pilot Trainers. Last year in October, Air Kerala appointed Captain C.S. Randhawa, the President of the Indian Pilots’ Guild, as the Vice President of Operations. Captain Ashutosh Vashisth, who held a significant role in the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), has been appointed as the Vice President of Security.
Waiting For AOC
The CEO of Air Kerala, Harish Kutty, explained that the company is focusing on hiring Indian pilots and training crews since they are more familiar with Indian regulations. While they may hire foreign trainers in the future, they believe it’s best to hire Indians for now. The airline is still waiting for the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
NOC Received In 2024
In July 2024, Air Kerala’s parent company, ZetFly Aviation, received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The airline plans to start domestic flights from Kochi to Tier II and Tier III cities in India in the second quarter of 2025, followed by international flights to Gulf countries.
Three Planes To Start With
Initially, Air Kerala will use three ATR 72-600 aircraft for domestic operations, connecting smaller cities in India. CEO Harish Kutty shared that the company currently has three planes, and once they have 15 to 17 planes for domestic flights, they will include narrow-body jets in their fleet. The airline also plans to start international flights by 2026.
Also Read: Lucknow SHOCKER: Man Allegedly Murders Mother And Four Sisters At Hotel – What Led To The Crime?
