Travelling to India is going to be more affordable than ever, and it’s all thanks to 2 Dubai-based businessmen. Dubai’s aviation scene is soon to welcome a new low-cost budget airline – say hello to Air Kerala! The airline has already received its initial no-objection certificate (NOC) from India’s civil aviation ministry, marking a significant milestone. Air Kerala is registered under Zettfly Aviation and can operate scheduled commuter air transport services for the next three years. Come with me, and I’ll tell you why travelling to India just became so much lighter on your wallet with Air Kerala!
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The Visionaries Behind Air Kerala
Air Kerala is the brainchild of UAE entrepreneurs Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada. Afi Ahmed, the founder of Smart Travels, shared, “This is the result of years of our hard work. Many doubted us, but getting the NOC is a big step forward.” The journey to this point began last year when Afi Ahmed bought the domain name airkerala.com for AED 1 million, reigniting the hopes of an airline that the Kerala government first envisioned in 2005.
The Next Steps For Air Kerala
With the NOC in hand, the next few months are critical for Air Kerala. “We need to acquire aircraft and meet all regulatory requirements to obtain our Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC),” explained Ayub Kallada. The initial plan is to start with three ATR 72-600 aircraft, with options for both leasing and direct purchase from manufacturers. The Zettfly Aviation board, consisting of Afi Ahmed, Ayub Kallada, and Kanika Goyal, brings extensive aviation experience to the table.
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Regional & Future International Operations
Initially, Air Kerala will focus on regional flights, connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with major metro airports. “This will improve accessibility and convenience for travellers across these regions,” said Ayub. Once the fleet grows to 20 aircraft, the airline plans to expand to international routes. “Our goal is to provide affordable travel for expats, with Dubai being one of our first international destinations,” added Afi.
Kerala In The Heart Of Everything
Headquartered in the vibrant city of Kochi, Air Kerala aims to boost tourism and trade in Kerala, creating at least 350 jobs in the city. Afi also mentioned that international operations would bring job opportunities to the UAE. With an initial investment of around AED 110 million, Air Kerala is poised to make a significant impact on the aviation industry and the lives of many expats. For more information, visit their website.
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