Thiruvananthapuram: Two decades into India’s open skies policy, a period marked by takeoffs as well as crash landings for many private airlines, Kerala wants to fly to the Middle East on its own wings.
The Congress-led government has decided to revive Air Kerala, conceived by the party’s previous government in 2005. If it takes off, it will be the country’s first airline with a state government as one of the primary stakeholders.
Under the proposal, the airline will cater to the Middle East sector, where around 2.5 million people from Kerala are employed. What has led to a fresh look at the proposal is the frequent cancellation of Mideast-bound flights from Kerala and high Air India fares, particularly during peak season.
The government recently reconstituted a board of directors for Air Kerala, with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy as chairman. In 2005, a feasibility report by Ernst & Young estimated Air Kerala would require an investment of Rs 200 crore for starting operations with five leased aircraft. A revised estimate is expected this year.
06/11/12 Shaju Philip/Indian Express
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The Congress-led government has decided to revive Air Kerala, conceived by the party’s previous government in 2005. If it takes off, it will be the country’s first airline with a state government as one of the primary stakeholders.
Under the proposal, the airline will cater to the Middle East sector, where around 2.5 million people from Kerala are employed. What has led to a fresh look at the proposal is the frequent cancellation of Mideast-bound flights from Kerala and high Air India fares, particularly during peak season.
The government recently reconstituted a board of directors for Air Kerala, with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy as chairman. In 2005, a feasibility report by Ernst & Young estimated Air Kerala would require an investment of Rs 200 crore for starting operations with five leased aircraft. A revised estimate is expected this year.
06/11/12 Shaju Philip/Indian Express
