THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Harish Moideen Kutty, the CEO of low-cost air traveller AirKerala.com indicated that the flight service will start within six months. The CEO stated that the initial phase of operations will focus on domestic services. The international service will also be started in the Kerala-Gulf sector at reasonable rates. Ernakulam will be the headquarters of Air Kerala and three new planes will be used for services.

Harish Kutty also stated that the aim is to provide services at the lowest possible rates targeting ordinary non-residents. In an interesting statement, he said Airkerala would be competing with buses and trains when it comes to luring passengers for cheaper travel but not with other airlines.

Air Kerala's initial investment is Rs 250 crores. It is indicated that the state government and Kochi International Airport Company (CIAL) will have 25 per cent shares in the venture. With the launch of Air Kerala service, the long-term dream of expatriates to reach home in a budget airline will bear fruit. The new company will also open the door for the tourism and travel sector of the state.

Three French-made ATR 72-600 twin-engine aircraft will be used in the first phase. The flight will have 78 seats. Ayub Kallada, the company's vice-chairman, had earlier stated that the main task is to ensure compliance with all the safety standards set by the Ministry of Aviation.

Harish Kutty is an aviation veteran having previously served with Spicejet and SalamAir.