Air Kerala, long envisioned as a symbol of pride for Malayalis, is now becoming a reality. The airline, conceptualized by UAE-based entrepreneurs Mr Afi Ahmed and Mr Ayub Kallada, has made a significant leap forward. Registered under Zettfly Aviation, the project recently secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, clearing the way for its launch as a scheduled commuter air transport service.
Air Kerala aims to capitalize on India’s expanding domestic air travel market by connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with a fleet of three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Based out of Kochi, Kerala’s busiest airport, the airline will focus on regional routes both within the state and beyond.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Afi Ahmed UPC, Chairman, Zettfly Aviation Pvt Ltd and Air Kerala expressed his excitement about the venture, calling Air Kerala the “dream come true” for millions of Malayalis worldwide. “Air Kerala represents not just an airline but the culture and aspirations of Kerala. I am confident that we will make it the most trusted airline for Malayalis everywhere,” he said.
Air Kerala aims to tap into India’s growing domestic air travel market by connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities using three ATR 72-600 aircraft. The initial operations will be based out of Kochi, the busiest airport in Kerala, and will focus on regional routes within the state and beyond.
Mr. Harish Kutty, with over 35 years of experience at leading airlines like Air Arabia, SpiceJet, Salam Air, and Watania Airways, will oversee the airline’s ambitious plans. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in navigating the challenges of establishing a new airline in a competitive market. His expertise, particularly in steering Salam Air through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, positions him well to lead this ambitious project. Speaking at a press conference in Dubai, Kutty expressed optimism about Air Kerala’s future, stating that it will be “the dream of millions of Malayalis around the world” and a true representation of Kerala’s culture and heritage.
Regional Focus and Expansion Plans
Air Kerala, set to launch by early 2025, will initially focus on regional routes, connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India with ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. The airline will be based at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) in Kochi, Kerala’s busiest hub, and aims to serve underserved destinations such as Salem, Madurai, Hubli, and Pune.
Zettfly Aviation’s connectivity plan covers 53 airports, with Air Kerala planning to recruit 350 personnel in its first year. Over time, the airline envisions expanding its fleet and launching international routes with wide-body jets. The initial phase will require significant investment, with promoters committing between ₹60-100 crore.
Afi Ahmed, a promoter and owner of Smart Travels, demonstrated his commitment to the project by purchasing the domain airkerala.com for Dh 1 million last year. The airline’s board includes industry veterans such as Afi Ahmed, Ayub Kallada, and Kanika Goyal, all contributing valuable aviation experience.
However, Air Kerala faces significant challenges in India’s competitive aviation market. Experts note that while ATR 72-600 aircraft are ideal for short-haul flights, they could lead to higher operational costs. Competing with larger, established airlines operating higher-capacity aircraft like the A320 and B737 may make Air Kerala’s road to profitability more difficult.
A former CEO of a budget airline remarked, “Meeting operating costs with ATR-type aircraft will be challenging, especially when competing against bigger airlines. State government support in the form of cost concessions and revenue guarantees could be pivotal for the airline’s success.”
Growing Domestic Demand and Market Potential
Kerala’s domestic air traffic has been steadily increasing, creating opportunities for new airlines like Air Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram saw a 40% rise in domestic passengers over the past year, the highest among the state’s four airports, while Kochi and Kozhikode reported growth of 17.4% and 11.3%, respectively. Despite this surge, intra-state air travel remains limited, with only a handful of airlines operating short-haul flights between cities in Kerala.
Air Kerala aims to fill this gap by enhancing connectivity both within Kerala and to nearby regional destinations. The airline also benefits from partnerships with Kerala’s booming tourism industry, which includes wellness centres and popular tourist attractions, helping drive demand.
With a mission to provide affordable and reliable air travel for domestic and international passengers, Air Kerala plans to expand its operations gradually. Through state support and strategic partnerships, the airline is well-positioned to become a major player in India’s regional aviation market.
Harish Kutty encapsulated the airline’s vision, stating, “This is a proud moment for Kerala. Air Kerala is not just an airline; it represents the dreams and aspirations of Malayalis worldwide.”
As Air Kerala prepares for its 2025 launch, industry observers will be closely monitoring whether this ambitious project can overcome challenges and succeed as Kerala’s first regional airline.
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