Air Kerala to launch operations by June 2025 from Kannur Airport, ‘focused’ on hiring pilots from India

Air Kerala, India's newest and upcoming airline based in Kerala, has revealed plans to commence its operations by June 2025, and is geared to hire captains primarily from India.

Speaking to Livemint, Harish Kutty, the CEO of Air Kerala said there were a lot of pilots in India who would like to join the new aircraft operator. “The first priority goes to the pilots from India," said the CEO. 

“But there's nothing like that we wouldn't go for foreign pilots,” Harish Kutty added.

‘Endeavour is to get pilots from India’

Air Kerala's first flight will take off from Kannur International Airport(KIAL). The Kerala-based aviation firm's recruitment plans come after it received the no-objection certificate from the civil aviation ministry in July this year.

“Endeavour is to get pilots from India," Captain CS Randhawa, the vice president of operations of Air Kerala also told Livemint.

'Kannur International Airport a major player'

On Monday, December 30, 2024, the airline formally partnered with Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). As part of its initial operations, Air Kerala will have a substantial number of departures from Kannur to nearby domestic destinations within a flying range of one and a half hours.

"We take this opportunity to announce that Kannur International Airport will be a major player in our operational strategy," read Air Kerala Chairman Afi Ahmed's latest statement.

Air Kerala's ATR aircraft

Air Kerala has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire its first three aircraft from ATR, a Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer. The airline, which plans to launch international operations in the UAE in 2026, will also consider narrow-body jets in preparation for its international debut.

However, the Kerala-based aviation chain is still awaiting its air operator certificate (AOC) from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The AOC certificate allows an operator to perform specific commercial air transport operations.

Air Kerala's connecting cities

Although Air Kerala has not disclosed its maiden destination yet, it plans to commence domestic operations from Kochi to Tier II and Tier III cities in the second quarter of 2025. Thereafter, international flights are likely to follow, Dubai being the first destination, according to Air Kerala's website.