New Delhi: Air Kerala, a low-cost airline founded by Dubai-based entrepreneurs Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada, has received the initial no-objection certificate (NOC) from the ministry of civil aviation.
The airline, registered under the name Zettfly Aviation, has been granted permission to “operate scheduled commuter air transport services for three years”, as reported by Khaleej Times. Once the airline becomes operational, it will be Kerala’s first regional airline.
To commence operations, Air Kerala must now acquire aircraft and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements to obtain the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
Ayub Kallada said, “This is a critical phase that ensures we meet all safety and operational standards set by the aviation authorities.”
Afi Ahmed expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, acknowledging the challenges faced along the way.
“This is the result of years of our hard work. My partners and I have been working tirelessly to make this a reality. Several people questioned us and dismissed it, saying it would never become a reality. We still have a long way to go but the NOC is a big step for us,” he said.
The airline’s immediate plans involve starting operations with three ATR 72-600 aircraft, exploring both leasing and direct procurement options to ensure an optimal fleet. Air Kerala will initially focus on connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with Tier 1 and metro airports. Once the fleet expands to 20 aircraft, they will “start exploring international routes to expand our reach and service offerings”, Ahmed said.
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