What Newly-Launched Alhind Air Said About the CEO Selection
Alhind Air, a new airline venture from Kerala-based travel operator Alhind Group, has been surrounded by speculation regarding its CEO appointment. Rumours suggest that former SpiceJet executive Shilpa Bhatia could take on the role of Group CEO after leaving her previous position to focus on startups. However, Alhind Air has remained tight-lipped on the matter.
When approached by Timeline, an Alhind Air source stated that the airline is currently reviewing several profiles but refrained from confirming Bhatia’s appointment. “We are still in the midst of the process, and it’s too early to draw any conclusions at this stage,” said the source. “We are committed to seeing this through carefully and thoroughly, but we won’t be making any statements until everything is finalised,” they added.
The news comes as Alhind Group prepares to launch Alhind Air, having secured the Civil Aviation Ministry’s approval. The airline is expected to begin operations by the end of 2024, pending the issuance of its Air Operator Certificate by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Alhind Air will initially operate with three ATR-72 turboprop planes, focusing on regional routes under 90 minutes. The startup has invested between Rs 200-500 crore in this venture, with plans to expand its fleet to include narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 Max for domestic routes.
Alhind Air will prioritise connectivity in southern India, launching flights from its headquarters in Kochi to Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chennai. International routes to the Gulf are expected to follow, once the airline has expanded its fleet to over 20 aircraft within the next two years.
Speaking about the company’s growth, Alhind Group chairman T. Mohamed Haris reflected on the company’s origins. “When we started Alhind three decades ago, Calicut, the place I hail from, lacked established travel agencies, and I used to often hear from people about their travel woes,” he said.
Now boasting 2,000 employees and 100 branches across India, with 25 more in the Middle East, Alhind Group serves as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for numerous airlines. The company’s turnover has reached Rs 20,000 crore, with Haris noting, “The capacity to challenge the fares offered by any of our competitors is our USP.”
Alhind Group held its ‘Global Business Conclave’ in Calicut last year, celebrating its impressive turnover, with notable attendees including the High Commissioner of the Republic of Gambia, Mustapha Jawara, and Dr. Khalid Yousef A. Bargawi, the Cultural Attaché of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.
