Air Kerala Announces the First International Base Destination

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KANNUR- The upcoming Indian carrier, Air Kerala aims to launch a new destination from Kannur International Airport (CNN), marking a significant development in India’s aviation landscape.

The airline confirmed its inaugural operations from the Malabar coastal city through an announcement on Monday (December 30, 2024).

Photo:- By Vinayaraj – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=123124124

Air Kerala First Int’l Base: Kannur

The emerging carrier has initiated its regulatory compliance process, submitting documentation to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for operational approval.

Air Kerala’s operational blueprint reveals a phased expansion strategy, beginning with domestic routes in the second quarter of 2025 using ATR turboprop aircraft before transitioning to narrow-body jets.

A formal partnership agreement with Kannur International Airport Limited positions the airline for a substantial operational presence at the facility. The initial flight network focuses on regional connectivity, targeting destinations within a 90-minute flying radius from Kannur.

Air Kerala Chairman Afi Ahmad emphasized the strategic significance of the KIAL partnership, highlighting its role in establishing both domestic and future international routes.

Our partnership with KIAL allows us to connect key regions domestically while preparing for international operations. Together, we aim to offer reliable, affordable, and efficient travel options to passengers.”

Air Kerala Chairman Afi Ahmad

The existing infrastructure at Kannur International Airport provides Air Kerala with operational advantages. The airport management has pledged comprehensive support to facilitate the airline’s base establishment, recognizing the potential for mutual growth and enhanced regional connectivity.

The airline’s expansion plans extend beyond domestic routes, targeting international destinations to enhance Kannur’s connectivity portfolio.

After approval of international routes, the airline aims to prioritize destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Domestic routes will link major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad with tier-two cities.

Photo: ATR

Major Hub for Airline

The carrier envisions transforming Kannur Airport into a major aviation hub by establishing strategic domestic routes that connect regional passengers to international destinations. This interconnected network aims to streamline travel logistics for passengers throughout the region.

Kannur International Airport Limited’s Managing Director Dinesh Kumar emphasized the airport’s evolution as a crucial transit point for travelers. The partnership represents KIAL’s commitment to providing comprehensive infrastructure and operational support to facilitate Air Kerala’s growth trajectory.

Kumar reinforced the partnership’s alignment with regional demands, stating, “We are confident that this partnership will prove beneficial for both the parties and will also fulfill the aspirations and long-standing demand of the travelers of the region to have more and affordable connectivity from this airport.”

The airline has demonstrated its operational readiness by assembling a core leadership team and filling critical positions including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Operations, and Vice President of Security. These appointments signal Air Kerala’s commitment to establishing a robust operational foundation.

Photo: Air Kerala

Hiring Pilots

Air Kerala advances its operational preparations by initiating pilot recruitment for ATR 72-600 aircraft, following the acquisition of its No-objection Certificate from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation in July 2024.

The Cochin-based carrier expands its recruitment efforts beyond senior management positions, prioritizing flight crew recruitment as a critical operational requirement. The airline announced its pilot recruitment campaign through LinkedIn, declaring “Air Kerala is Ready for Takeoff! We’re now boarding ATR 72-600 Pilots to soar into aviation history!”

The airline directs qualified candidates to submit their resumes to [email protected] for consideration. Air Kerala’s leadership implements stringent eligibility criteria for both Captain and First Officer positions, aligning with aviation industry safety standards and regulatory requirements.

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Air Kerala is Hiring Pilots, Ready for Launch in 2025

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