New Airline Flies High from Dubai

AlHind: New Airline Takes Flight from Dubai, Heads Skyward in India

Dubai-based AlHind Group is entering a new era with the launch of an airline that will initially serve India's domestic aviation market before expanding to international destinations, starting with the UAE. The inception of AlHind Air signifies not just an additional route in aviation schedules but a comprehensive expansion for a company that has been entrenched in travel and mobility sectors for decades.

Background: Travel, Mobility, Expats

The narrative of AlHind did not commence with aviation. Established in the early 1990s in the Indian state of Kerala as a travel agency, the company later broadened its scope to freight forwarding, hospitality, currency exchange, and advisory services. Since 1995, its Dubai presence has been a vital operational facet, becoming well-known by catering to the needs of the region's Indian community.

Today, the group operates over 130 branches globally, having served millions of clients over the years. Besides being a travel agency, AlHind acts as the official Dubai sales representative for several Indian airlines as a General Sales Agent (GSA). This role involves conducting full-scale commercial and customer service operations on behalf of an airline in a given region.

Airline Launch Post-Crisis

The approval of AlHind Air by the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry comes at a time when the market needs new entrants. Recently, another Indian airline, Indigo, faced severe operational difficulties, leading to the cancellation of over 4500 flights and stranding tens of thousands of passengers both across India and internationally. Travelers from the UAE endured waits of up to 10 hours. This situation underscored the need for reliable new providers.

The Indian government's objective is to boost competition within the domestic market and encourage an increase in the number of airlines. In response to the crisis, AlHind Air swiftly secured a 'no-objection certificate' essential for commencing commercial operations.

Initial Operations in India

The new airline will initially operate domestic flights. The plan involves using ATR 72-600 turboprop airplanes to fly to southern Indian states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Goa. These states play prominent roles in India's economic, cultural, and tourism landscapes, and are critically important for migration between India and the UAE.

AlHind aims to attract passengers with low ticket prices right from the start, focusing particularly on the Indian expat communities abroad. To maintain low costs, they plan to minimize staffing levels and strive for efficient operations.

International Flights on the Horizon

AlHind Air envisions its future not only as a domestic player. Once they reach twenty operational routes, they will be eligible to launch international flights. The company has confirmed that their first destination will be the United Arab Emirates.

This step is logical given the company's historic and commercial ties to Dubai and other emirates. The presence of the Indian diaspora, tourism demand, and strong business connections justify choosing the UAE. For Middle Eastern routes, they plan to employ an Airbus A320, offering a business class to provide passengers with higher service levels.

Dubai's Role in the Project

In this project, Dubai is not merely a launch point but a strategic hub. Several AlHind Group services are coordinated from there, including the Alhind Business Center, which provides business formation and advisory services. The Dubai offices are linked to the Indian parent company, playing a crucial role in developing Middle Eastern business connections.

For the millions of Indians living in the emirates, a more direct, affordable, and reliable air travel option is not merely a convenience; it holds economic significance. Family visits, business trips, and tourist activities will flourish with a new market opportunity.

What's Next in the Coming Months?

According to the announcement, flight operations will commence in the near future. Their website, already live, provides information on planned destinations, fleet details, and pricing strategies.

The company's biggest challenge now is establishing operational stability, building passenger trust, and meeting the prerequisites for international expansion. If successful in these endeavors, AlHind Air could become a significant player in South Asian and Middle Eastern aviation in the coming years.

Summary

The story of AlHind Air is not just about the birth of a new airline, but also the strategic expansion of a well-established, Dubai-managed conglomerate. Initiatives to invigorate India's domestic aviation market, serve international expat communities, and a business model aimed at cost efficiency all contribute to positioning AlHind Air as a noteworthy player—not only in India but on Dubai and the region's aviation map.

Source: Index.hu