The south Indian state of Kerala is planning to launch its own low-cost airline. Tentatively named “Air Kerala”, the airline would serve passengers traveling between Kerala and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Due to the economic conditions in South India, many people travel to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and UAE for employment.
“During peak seasons, they have shell out huge amounts to purchase air tickets. So, the government of Kerala is moving ahead to start its own airline, said E T Mohammed Bashir, a member of the Indian parliament.
If the plans are approved, the airline will likely follow a public-private partnership model for funding. A similar model was used to build the Cochin International Airport in Kerala.
The official announcement for the airline is anticipated to be made at the “Emerging Kerala” investment summit scheduled to begin on September 12, 2012.
