Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai

Dubai, Jul 9: Indian expats may soon enjoy economical flights home, thanks to a new low-cost airline spearheaded by two Dubai-based businessmen. 'Air Kerala' has received its initial no-objection certificate (NOC) from India’s civil aviation ministry, as announced at a press conference in Dubai over the weekend.

According to a copy of the NOC seen by Khaleej Times, the airline, registered under the name Zettfly Aviation, has been granted permission to operate scheduled commuter air transport services for three years.

The brainchild of UAE entrepreneurs Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada, Air Kerala will be the first regional airline for the southernmost Indian state of Kerala.

According to Khaleej Times. Last year, Afi Ahmed, the founder of Smart Travels, paid a local company Dh1 million for the domain name airkerala.com. Initially seeking an aggregator website, he stumbled upon and purchased the domain, reviving hopes for Air Kerala, a project first proposed by the Kerala government in 2005.

With the NOC in hand, the airline now faces months of groundwork before launching flights. The airline plans to start operations with three ATR 72-600 aircraft.

The Zettfly Aviation board, comprising Afi Ahmed, Ayub Kallada, and Kanika Goyal, boasts extensive experience in the aviation industry.

Initially, Air Kerala will focus on regional connectivity and international flights are part of the airline's future plans. Afi Ahmed informed Khaleej Times that once they expand their fleet to 20 aircrafts, they will start exploring international routes. Headquartered in Kochi, the airline is expected to boost tourism and trade in Kerala, creating at least 350 jobs in the city.

“The initial investment needed for our project is approximately Dh110 million. Once we start our international flights, we will bring job opportunities to the UAE. Dubai will be one of our first international destinations, ensuring affordable travel for all expats,” he said.