Air Kerala, a new airline, announced on Monday that it plans to begin operations in June of next year. The first flight will depart from the Kannur Airport. Air Kerala, which has already filled all key positions including those of CEO and CFO hasn’t revealed its maiden destination but said it had signed a pact to launch flight services on regional routes with private airport operator Kannur International Airport Ltd.

Air Kerala will initially have a large number of departures to nearby domestic destinations, within a flying distance of one and a half hours, as part of an agreement between the two companies.

Afi, chairman of Air Kerala, stated that the airport already has the infrastructure in place and, as a newcomer to the aviation sector, the airport administration has offered Air Kerala full support for setting up a base at Kannur.

Ahmed said in a press release: “We take this occasion to announce that Kannur International Airport, will be a key player in our operation strategy.”

“Our partnership will allow us to connect key domestic regions while preparing our international operations.” Together, we want to offer reliable, affordable and efficient travel options for passengers,” he said.

The Kerala-based firm received a certificate of no objection from the civil aviation ministry this July.

Currently, the company is in the process applying to the DGCA for a commercial flying permit. This will allow them to begin services on the designated routes.

The airline has also stated that it will initially have regional twin engine turboprop ATR aircraft as part of its fleet and then transition to narrow body jets once it grows.

Air Kerala says it has ambitious plans beyond domestic routes to connect more international destinations with Kannur.

Air Kerala said that its strategically selected domestic destinations would connect passengers from various locations in the region to international destination through Kannur Airport. The airline stated that this would transform Kannur Airport into the major hub for air travel within the region.