Alhind Air Set to Begin Operations by Mid-2025
Alhind Air, a new entrant in the Indian aviation sector promoted by the Alhind Group, is gearing up to commence operations by mid-2025. The private airline, which received an initial nod from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in August, is preparing to take delivery of the first of its seven ATR 72-600 aircraft by March next year.
Setting up its hub at Cochin International Airport, the airline recently inaugurated its office at the airport. “Initially, Kochi will be our sole base. However, we plan to adopt a ‘multi-base concept’ to expand our network in phases after operations begin mid-next year. This phased approach aligns with the capabilities of the ATR 72 aircraft, which has a range of two-and-a-half hours,” said Reena Abdul Rahiman, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer.
Preparations Underway at Kochi Airport
The airline has begun operations from an aero-lounge at Terminal 2 while awaiting the setup of its dedicated office space allocated by Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL). Recruitment for engineering and technical teams is currently in progress, with the focus on establishing accessible workspaces to support pre-launch activities.
Focus on Regional and Global Connectivity
Alhind Air plans to prioritize regional connectivity, starting with routes within Kerala, such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Calicut. The initial fleet will include two ATR 72-600 aircraft, with plans to scale up to seven within a year. The airline envisions connecting over 40 domestic airports before expanding to Gulf destinations within 18 months.
Future plans include adding wide-bodied aircraft, either Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, to its fleet within two years to support long-term international operations. “Once commercial operations begin, we aim to establish multi-bases and extend connectivity to destinations like Pondicherry, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Madurai, Goa, and Mangaluru,” Reena added.
Key Milestones Ahead
The airline expects the delivery of its first aircraft by March 2025, followed by a 45-60 day trial phase to complete required certifications, including the Air Operation Certificate (AOC) from the DGCA.
