New airline in Indian sky soon, Shankh Air gets Aviation Ministry’s nod

New airline gets MoCA nod: Shankh Air, the latest airline that has emerged in the country, has received a go-ahead from the Union Aviation Ministry to commence its operations. However, the airline will need an approval from aviation regulator Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) before it starts flight operations.

Shankh Air has earned the recognition of being the first scheduled airline from Uttar Pradesh. It will hub at Lucknow and Noida. As per the company’s website, the airline aims to connect major cities across India, offering both interstate and intrastate routes, focusing on areas with high demand and limited direct flight options.

"The company is further directed to comply with relevant provisions regulations of FDI, SEBl etc as well as other applicable rules & regulations in this regard," the letter of approval from the aviation ministry has stated.

As per the Union Aviation Ministry approval letter, the NOC issued to operate flights will be valid for a period of three years.

With the launch of Shankh Air soon, there is an expectation that the airline can enhance connectivity to sectors, which do not have sufficient airlines operating.  

Global aviation hub

As India aims  to become the global aviation leader by 2030, airlines have placed confirmed orders for 1,500 new aircraft. In terms of airport expansion, there has been a two-fold increase in greenfield airports across the country during the last nine years.

As per various projections on India’s aviation sector, an addition of 3,500 new aircraft is likely to take place by 2047.

Indian airlines at present have placed confirmed 1,500 aircraft orders, for strengthening the existing fleet of 810 aircraft, said KPMG and FICCI's separate reports.

An increase of nearly 2,700 aircraft, over 24 years, with a 6 per cent growth rate is expected to help in connecting the country's smaller centers with their larger peers.  Of the total 3,500 new aircraft, Indian carriers are expected to induct 2,700 aircraft for their domestic operations, while the remaining 860 aircraft are expected to be pressed for international flights.