Kuwait: A visiting Indian Parliament member expressed confidence here yesterday that the proposed Air Kerala, the dream airline project of the Kerala government, will take off by the end of next year. “Though there are certain technical hurdles, the United Democratic Front government led by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, is keen on making Air Kerala a reality. It is expected that by the end of 2013, the airline will take off,” said P T Thomas MP, who arrived in Kuwait along with Kerala Legislative Assembly member P C Vishnunath.
Touted as a pet project of the chief minister, Air Kerala is expected to provide a better travel solution to thousands of expatriates who live and work in the Gulf countries. Though many airlines are flying to destinations in Kerala including Indian national carrier Air India, millions of Keralites in Kuwait still face a travel nightmare every year, especially during peaks seasons. The chief minister had earlier declared that Air Kerala will be launched on April 14, 2013 to coincide with Vishu, the New Year’s day in the Malayalam calendar.
09/12/12 Kuwait Times
