Shankh Airlines Set to Begin Operations in January 2024 with Focus on Affordable Air Travel

Shankh Airlines is set to launch flights in January, initially with three Airbus planes. The airline plans to link Lucknow with major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, according to Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma. In its first phase, the airline will also connect various locations across Uttar Pradesh. Two more aircraft are expected to join the fleet within six weeks.

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Vishwakarma emphasised that Shankh Airlines aims to make flying accessible for middle-class travellers and first-time flyers. "An aircraft is just a means of transport, like a bus or a tempo. It should not be seen as something exclusive," he stated. The entrepreneur wants to change the perception that air travel is a luxury.

Shankh Airlines' Vision and Expansion Plans

The airline's long-term goal includes international flights by 2028 or 2029. Although the current fleet is small, Vishwakarma plans to expand nationwide. He noted that the aviation sector's strong cash flow is its biggest asset, as it doesn't rely on credit systems that can lead to business failures.

Reflecting on his journey, Vishwakarma shared that his interest in aviation began four years ago. "Once the thought struck me, I began understanding the process, how to get the NOC, what are the rules and how the system works. What started as an idea four years ago has now taken shape," he said.

Background and Business Journey

Coming from a modest background, Vishwakarma once found dreaming big unrealistic. "In the circumstances we grew up, just earning a livelihood was seen as enough. Dreaming beyond that was almost unthinkable," he explained. His formal education was limited, and he initially drove autos and tried small businesses.

His business journey gained momentum in 2014 when he entered the cement trade, followed by ventures in TMT steel, mining, and transport sectors. "Today, we have a fleet of over 400 trucks," he said, describing this growth as gradual and organic without grand planning.

Funding and Market Strategy

The airline's funding comes from its parent company, with aircraft acquired through leases and external financing. "We have no funding constraints," Vishwakarma stated. He added that Shankh Airlines isn't focused on competitors' market shares but on self-improvement.

Ticket prices will remain stable during festivals, although business-class fares will be higher than competitors'. The airline also aims to create job opportunities for young people. Advising youth, Vishwakarma said they should not worry about others' opinions: "The difference is only in mindset."

The name 'Shankh' was chosen due to its cultural significance and existing use in their trading firm. Vishwakarma believes aviation's rapid growth offers unique opportunities due to its cash flow strength. He remains optimistic about Shankh Airlines' future in making air travel more inclusive.

With inputs from PTI