As India prepares to welcome a new major airport in Noida, a new airline, Shankh Air, is set to take to the skies. The airline has received approval from the civil aviation ministry and is now awaiting clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to commence operations.
What is Shankh Air?
Shankh Air aims to be the first scheduled airline based in Uttar Pradesh, establishing hubs in Lucknow and Noida to connect major cities across the country. The airline will focus on both inter- and intra-state routes, targeting areas with high demand and limited direct flight options. Initially, it plans to provide services to Lucknow, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur, with expansion on the horizon.
Shankh Air’s Fleet
According to a news report in News18, the airline will operate as a twin-class, full-service carrier, featuring a new-generation fleet of Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. Its hubs will be located at Lucknow, the upcoming Jewar Airport in Noida, and New Delhi.
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Shankh Air’s Launch Timeline
Shankh Air intends to launch by the end of 2024, despite having a three-year validity on its no-objection certificate (NOC) from the civil aviation ministry. The airline’s management team is already in place, with plans to begin the staff hiring process soon.
The approval letter from the ministry stipulates that Shankh Air must comply with all regulations, including those concerning foreign direct investment (FDI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Earlier this year, Shankh Air’s co-founders met with Noida International Airport officials to discuss potential partnerships aimed at enhancing air connectivity in Uttar Pradesh.