Who owns India’s newest airline, Shankh Air?

India’s newest airline, Shankh Air, has officially received approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry to operate within the country, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward launching commercial flights.

Owned and chaired by Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, the airline is poised for rapid growth. However, it still requires clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) before it can commence operations.

With operating hubs in Lucknow and Noida, Shankh Air’s inaugural flight will take off from Uttar Pradesh. The airline plans to operate as a twin-class, full-service carrier, utilizing a modern fleet of Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. Its primary hubs will be located in Lucknow, the upcoming Jewar Airport in Noida, and New Delhi. The No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to the airline is valid for a period of three years.

The launch of Shankh Air is expected to enhance connectivity in regions that currently face limited air travel options, ultimately improving regional mobility across India. The airline aims to link areas with high demand for direct flights but little availability.

Shankh Air is gearing up to begin operations with its fleet of brand-new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. Despite having three years to initiate its operations due to the NOC, the airline intends to launch by the end of 2024. The management team is already in place, and plans for staff hiring are underway.

Shankh Air’s introduction to the aviation market comes at a time when the Indian aviation industry is experiencing robust growth. According to a report by aviation consultancy CAPA India, the country handled 376 million passengers in FY24, making it the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, driven by an impressive annual growth rate of 15%.