KOZHIKODE- Alhind Group, a prominent Kerala-based travel services operator, has secured approval from India’s civil aviation ministry to launch a new airline named Alhind Airlines.
The company aims to begin operations by the end of 2024, according to a CNBC-TV18 report.
Alhind Airlines Eyes Ops by 2024-End
Alhind Airline will commence services with three ATR-72 turboprop aircraft, focusing initially on regional routes. The company currently possesses five ATR planes and plans to invest between Rs 200 crore to Rs 500 crore in the venture.
Cochin International Airport has granted all necessary permissions for flight operations. Alhind Air’s initial focus will be on southern routes, connecting Cochin, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chennai.
According to reports, Shilpa Bhatia, the former Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of SpiceJet (SG) and Chief Sales and Revenue Officer of IndiGo (6E) will head Alhind Airlines as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The airline’s long-term strategy includes expanding to international operations within two years of launch, once its fleet size exceeds 20 aircraft. This move aligns with Alhind Group’s established presence in the travel and tourism industry.
Alhind Group, which serves as a General Sales Agent (GSA) for multiple airlines, reports an annual turnover surpassing Rs 20,000 crore. The company operates over 130 offices across India and internationally.
Stake in International Airline
Alhind Group, an Indian travel and aviation company, has acquired a 25% stake in Sun Air, a Sudanese airline. The deal, signed in March 2022, marks Alhind Group’s strategic expansion into the African aviation market.
Sun Air, based in Khartoum, is Sudan’s first privately owned airline operating international flights to African and Gulf countries. The airline plans to extend its reach to European and Chinese destinations.
Muhammed Haris, Director of Alhind Group, emphasized the company’s goal to strengthen its position in both aviation and travel sectors. He expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating it would facilitate Alhind’s expansion into African destinations.
Sun Air Aviation Chairman Captain Saif Omer welcomed the partnership, highlighting the potential for realizing Sun Air’s aspirations in collaboration with Alhind. Omer noted the aviation industry’s recovery from the pandemic crisis and hinted at exciting plans for Sun Air’s future.
Alhind Group, which owns Alhind Tours and Travels, is simultaneously expanding its travel business globally. The company operates over 150 branches with more than 2,000 employees worldwide. Recent expansions include a fifth branch in Sohar, Oman, and a new office in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Further expansion plans for Alhind include new offices in African countries such as Somaliland, Ethiopia, Hargeisa, and Gambia.
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Alhind Airlines FAQ
Shilpa Bhatia, an aviation veteran will head Alhind Airlines as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Alhind Airlines is based in Kozhikode, Kerala.
Alhind Airlines is owned by Alhind Tours and Travels Private Limited which is headed by T. Mohammed Haris as Director and P.V. Valsaraj as Managing Director.
Alhind Airlines aims to begin operations by the end of 2024
The post New: Alhind Airlines to Start Flights by Q4 2024 Hires Ex-SpiceJet CCO as CEO appeared first on Aviation A2Z.