Summary
- Air India is launching non-stop flights between Kochi and Doha to increase connectivity within India and the region, benefiting business and leisure travelers.
- Kochi’s industrial growth and trade links with the Middle East make it an ideal choice for Air India to connect with the Qatari capital.
- The Air India Group, under Tata Group’s ownership, is experiencing rapid growth, with plans to expand its networks and recruit more pilots despite current training and onboarding challenges.
The Indian flag carrier Air India is connecting Kochi, Kerala, to Doha in Qatar with non-stop flights beginning on October 23rd. The commercial hub of the province of Kerala will see daily services to the capital of Qatar. The launch of the new service is part of the airline’s plan to increase connectivity within India and also between other countries in the region. The airline is on a mission of turning around its old glory under the leadership of the Tata Group.
Connecting the two economic hubs
Kochi is the financial and commercial capital of the state of Kerala. The most populous city in the province has seen tremendous industrial growth in recent years, with heavy federal and private investments in almost all industrial sectors. Kochi has become one of the fastest-growing Tier-II cities in India. With the presence of a major port, the city is heavily involved in trade in the Middle East, including Qatar.
Air India aims to benefit from the existing economic ties, connecting Kochi to the Qatari capital. The new flight is expected to further strengthen existing operations between the two cities while providing increased flying options for business and leisure travelers.
Photo: Yatrik Sheth | Shutterstock
The flight schedule
The airline has put out the following flight schedule for its new flights between Kochi and Doha. The flight schedule is for a once-daily flight effective from October 23. All times are local.
Flight AI953 – Kochi (COK) to Doha (DOH)
Depart: 01:30, Arrive: 03:45, Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
Flight AI954 – Doha (DOH) to Kochi (COK)
Depart: 04:45, Arrive: 11:35, Duration: 4 hours 20 minutes
The airline plans to operate Airbus A320neo on the service. Air India’s typical A320neo is configured for 162 passengers, including 12 in the Business cabin and 150 in Economy. Bookings have already commenced for the new route between the two cities.
The Air India Group is on the path to rapid growth
Ever since the flag carrier has been privatized and owned by the Tata Group, all airlines in the group (Air India, Air India Express, and AirAsia India) have witnessed rapid growth. In February, the airline group placed a massive order of 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to meet the future air traffic demand.
The airline group aims to expand regional and international networks in the coming years. The first two of many Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have been delivered to the airline group (destined for the Air India Express) just this week.
Photo: Komenton/Shutterstock
The Air India Group has also been on a pilot recruitment spree in recent months, with more than 600 pilots already employed since April. While the airline currently faces issues with pilot training and onboarding of new pilots, it is working its way up in the right direction.
The Indian Aviation Regulatory Agency (DGCA) recently called for a suspension of all simulator training facilities in Mumbai and Hyderabad due to failed audits. The airline aims to have its pilots maintain their flying licenses through proper training and mandatory simulator checks.
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Source: The Times of India