Indian travel and tourism specialist Alhind Group has submitted an application for an air operator’s permit (AOP) to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), according to PV Valsaraj, the group’s managing director. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Valsaraj revealed that approximately 95% of the required approvals have been secured, including security clearances, with only final approvals and a No Objection Certificate from the Civil Aviation Ministry pending.
The new airline is expected to focus on international routes, with potential destinations including the Middle East and Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Valsaraj noted that over 60% of the group’s ticketing business is directed towards the Gulf and Far East regions, and the company successfully fills about 80% of its flights. He emphasized the advantage of Alhind’s extensive 30-year network, which will aid in identifying profitable routes and leveraging existing market knowledge.
Alhind Group, founded in 1992 and based in Kerala, operates under the name Alhind & Middle East Travels in the Gulf region. Its diverse portfolio includes B2B portals for flight and accommodation bookings, financial services, package tours, Hajj and Umrah tours to Saudi Arabia, car and coach rentals, a construction firm, a recruitment agency, IT solutions, an IATA-authorized training center, a bus company, a hotel, and visa services. The group reported a turnover of INR 200 billion (USD 2.38 billion) in 2023. Neither Alhind Group nor the DGCA was available for immediate comment.
Related topics:
How Much Is a One Day London Travel Card
