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New airline startup Air Kerala aims for mid-2025 launch
India’s newest, yet to launch airline, Air Kerala, expects to take to the skies in the second quarter of 2025.
Air Kerala chairman, Afi Ahmad announced a big recruitment drive is underway for technical and operational teams, while sales and marketing roles are being filled in the UAE.
“Pilot and cabin crew recruitment has begun. The chief pilot and pilot trainers have also been hired,” Ahmad said.
Captain CS Randhawa, the president of the Indian Pilots Federation, was hired as the airline’s VP of Operations.
Harish Kutty, CEO of Air Kerala, said, “We are focused on recruiting pilots and pilot training crew from India as they are well aware of Indian regulations. We can recruit foreign trainers; however, we feel it is better to have Indians for now.”
The airline is still waiting on its air operator certificate (AOC) from regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
“As soon as we receive the AOC, we will begin operations,” Ahmad added.
The airline, owned by parent company Zetfly Aviation, plans to start domestic flights to regional cities.
It has signed the Letter of Intent (LOI) for the first three aircraft from ATR.
Air Kerala hopes to launch international services to the UAE some time in 2026.
Kutty said the airline is targeting cost conscious customers.
“Our prime focus will be to convert luxury bus and second-class AC train passengers in India to flight passengers,” he added.
This week, the airline signed an MoU with Kannur International Airport Limited.
The airport’s MD, Dinesh Kumar said, “This collaboration with Air Kerala highlights Kannur Airport’s role as a vital gateway. We are committed to providing resources and support needed for Air Kerala to succeed.”
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