The Indian aviation landscape is poised for a fresh infusion of competition with the imminent launch of Shankh Airlines. The new carrier, spearheaded by 35-year-old entrepreneur Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, is scheduled to commence commercial flight operations in the first half of January 2024.
A Modest Start with Ambitious Plans
In an exclusive conversation with PTI, Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma revealed that the airline will debut with an initial fleet of three Airbus aircraft. The primary network will connect Lucknow with major metro hubs like Delhi and Mumbai. Furthermore, the airline's first phase will include enhancing connectivity within its home state, operating flights to various destinations across Uttar Pradesh.
Vishwakarma confirmed that the fleet expansion is already in motion, with two more aircraft expected to join within the next one and a half months. While the beginning is focused on a regional footprint, the vision is national. "At present, the fleet size is limited, but as it grows, we will cover the entire country," he stated. The airline has also set its sights on the international market, with plans for overseas operations tentatively slated for 2028 or 2029.
Mission: Making Skies Accessible to the Middle Class
The core philosophy driving Shankh Airlines is a mission to dismantle the elitist perception of air travel. Vishwakarma emphasized a steadfast commitment to making flying accessible and affordable for middle-class passengers and first-time flyers. In a significant consumer-friendly move, he announced that the airline will not hike ticket prices during peak festival seasons for its economy class.
"An aircraft is just a means of transport, like a bus or a tempo. It should not be seen as something exclusive," Vishwakarma remarked, underlining his disruptive approach. However, the airline intends to position its business-class offerings at a premium compared to competitors.
Strong Financial Backing and Job Creation
Confident about the venture's viability, Vishwakarma pointed to the aviation sector's robust cash flow as a key strength. "There is no credit system in aviation. Many businesses collapse because they depend on credit, but aviation does not work that way," he explained. On the crucial question of funding, he clarified that Shankh Airlines is fully backed by its parent company and has secured aircraft through lease and finance from external firms, asserting, "We have no funding constraints."
The launch is also projected to be a boon for employment, generating new opportunities for the youth. Vishwakarma, sharing his own journey as inspiration, encouraged young aspirants to focus on growth over societal scepticism. "If someone who once drove a tempo can run an airline, others can also move ahead. The difference is only in mindset," he said.
The airline's name, 'Shankh', carries forward from the parent trading firm and holds cultural significance. With a clear strategy focused on self-improvement rather than competing for existing market share, Shankh Airlines is ready to blow its conch in India's bustling aviation arena.
