KOZHIKODE- Air Kerala, a startup airline from Kerala-based Zett Fly Aviation, has appointed CS Randhawa as its vice president for operations and Ashutosh Vashishth as its Vice President of Security.
The upcoming startup carrier views both Randhawa and Vashishth as seasoned professionals with exceptional backgrounds in aviation.
Air Kerala Top Management Hiring
Randhawa, a veteran pilot with nearly 50 years of experience, will help prepare the airline for its launch in early 2025. The company has also hired Ashutosh Vashishth, a former army official and aviation security expert, as Vice President of Security.
These appointments follow the recent naming of Harish Kutty as Air Kerala’s Chief Executive Officer. Randhawa brings a wealth of experience from his roles at Air India (AI), the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). His expertise covers flight operations, safety, and airline management.
Randhawa’s career highlights include serving as Joint General Manager at Air India and Deputy Chief Flight Operations Inspector at the DGCA. He has extensive flying experience on various aircraft types, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A310.
Currently, Randhawa holds the position of president at the Federation of Indian Pilots, the country’s leading pilots’ association.
While Vashishth brings over a decade of experience in aviation security and currently holds a prominent position in the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
His background includes service in the Indian Army and specialized certifications in airport security management, national inspection, and auditing.
Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Air Kerala, emphasized the company’s commitment to assembling a team of industry experts. Ahmed stated, “We believe in assembling a team of the best minds in the industry, and the addition of these professionals is a testament to our vision of setting new standards in aviation.”
He further added that the unmatched experience and dedication of Randhawa and Vashishth will strengthen the airline’s commitment to safety, security, and excellence.
Air Kerala is currently working to secure its flying license from the DGCA.
Harish Kutty to Lead as CEO
Air Kerala is gearing up to launch domestic services in the first half of 2025, starting with three aircraft under the leadership of Harish Kutty. The airline aims to expand into international routes after meeting mandatory domestic operation requirements.
Industry veteran Harish Kutty joins Air Kerala, bringing over 35 years of aviation experience. Kutty’s career spans major airlines including British Airways, Air Arabia, Salam Air, Spice Jet, and Wataniya Airways. His leadership at Salam Air during the pandemic and contributions to Air Arabia and Wataniya Airways’ startup phases highlight his expertise.
Air Kerala’s management expresses strong confidence in Kutty’s ability to establish the airline as a leading carrier in India. Zettfly Aviation’s leadership, including chairman Afi Ahamed and vice chairman Ayoob Kallada, have welcomed Kutty to the team.
Kutty envisions Air Kerala as a representation of Malayali aspirations worldwide and Kerala’s unique culture. He aims to position Air Kerala as the preferred airline for the Malayali community.
The airline plans to become Kerala’s first regional carrier, with commercial flights from its Kochi hub to Tier II and III cities scheduled for Q2 2025. Subsequently, the international operations to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region will follow.
Air Kerala’s ambitious fleet expansion strategy targets narrowbody Boeing 737s or A320s to meet the 20-aircraft requirement for international flights by 2028.
Sudden Rise of Regional Carrier
The regional aviation landscape in India is experiencing rapid growth. FLY91 (IC), a Goa-based regional carrier, has already commenced commercial operations.
Jettwings Airways has secured clearance to operate in 12 sectors across the Northeast, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar under the UDAN scheme.
Further Adding to the competition, Alhind Group, a prominent Kerala-based travel services operator, has obtained approval from India’s civil aviation ministry to launch Alhind Airlines.
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