Domestic flights from Rs 3500; Kerala's own airline to soon become reality

KOZHIKODE: Kerala's own airline is coming up under the name 'Co Kerala'. The steps to start the airline are progressing in the cooperative sector. MVR Cancer Centre and Research Centre Chairman C.N. Vijayakrishnan announced the news. He informed that the initial procedures are progressing. In a press conference, Vijayakrishnan said that the aim is to make domestic travel fast but at a low cost.

The project will be implemented without taking a single rupee from the government exchequer. 200 cooperative societies will invest Rs 2 crore each in shares. There will be a board of directors for this, with the Chief Minister as the chairman and the Minister for Cooperatives as the vice chairman. Vijayakrishnan clarified that the outline of the project was presented to the government and that further steps will be taken once approval is received.

Will emulate CIAL model

The service will be operated on the CIAL model by leasing aircraft. In the first phase, two aircraft will be leased for this purpose. The aircraft will have a capacity of 72 seats. The service is aimed to be based in Nedumbassery and connect the cities of Karipur, Kannur, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai and Madurai.

Ticket prices start from Rs 3500

The company aims to provide low-cost domestic travel. The price of the flight ticket will start from Rs 3500. The maximum ticket price is expected to be Rs 7000. A system will be set up where passengers can book tickets up to an hour before the journey if there is a seat vacancy. The company is also expected to provide employment to 200 people in the initial phase.