India's aviation sector is set to welcome a new player, Shankh Airlines, which plans to commence commercial operations in the first half of January 2024. The airline's Chairman, Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, announced the launch timeline, revealing that the carrier will begin its journey with an initial fleet of three Airbus aircraft.
Network and Fleet Expansion Plans
The primary focus for the new airline will be to connect Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, with major metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Mumbai. In its first phase, Shankh Airlines will also operate flights to various destinations within Uttar Pradesh itself, catering to regional connectivity. Vishwakarma stated that the fleet is poised for rapid growth, with two more aircraft expected to join within the next one-and-a-half months of starting operations.
"At present, the fleet size is limited, but as it grows, we will cover the entire country," Vishwakarma told PTI Videos. He also outlined a long-term vision for international expansion, targeting the commencement of overseas flights by 2028 or 2029.
A Mission for the Middle Class
The 35-year-old entrepreneur articulated a clear core objective for Shankh Airlines: to democratize air travel. Vishwakarma aims to make flying accessible to middle-class passengers and first-time flyers, challenging the entrenched perception that air travel is a luxury.
"An aircraft is just a means of transport, like a bus or a tempo. It should not be seen as something exclusive," he asserted, highlighting his philosophy of affordable aviation.
From Auto Driver to Airline Founder
Vishwakarma's journey is a remarkable story of ambition. Coming from a modest middle-class background where dreaming big was considered unrealistic, his formal education was limited. He started by driving autos and ventured into several small businesses, many of which did not succeed.
His business fortunes changed in 2014 when he entered the cement trade. This was followed by successful ventures in TMT steel, mining, and the transport sector, where he now boasts a fleet of over 400 trucks. The idea to enter aviation struck him about four years ago, after which he diligently learned the intricacies of the sector, including obtaining the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) and understanding regulatory frameworks.
On the financial front, Vishwakarma assured that the airline has the full backing of its parent company and faces no funding constraints. The aircraft have been acquired through lease and finance arrangements with external companies. He emphasized that the airline's strategy is not to obsess over competitors' market share but to focus on self-improvement.
In a customer-friendly move, he stated that Shankh Airlines will not hike ticket prices during festival seasons, though business-class fares will be priced higher than rivals. The airline also plans to generate significant employment opportunities for the youth.
Offering advice to young aspirants, Vishwakarma said, "The first thing they should stop worrying about is what people will say. If someone who once drove a tempo can run an airline, others can also move ahead. The difference is only in mindset." The airline's name, 'Shankh', is carried over from his existing trading firm and also holds a cultural significance in India.
