Indian start-up Shankh Air (Lucknow) is eyeing a May 2025 launch, contingent on it receiving its air operator's certificate (AOC) in time. The carrier intends to induct five A320-200s this year and a further ten in 2026.
Last year, ch-aviation reported on Shankh Air's plans to become the first scheduled airline to launch from the state of Uttar Pradesh. Its backers plan to develop a full-service carrier with a two-cabin class offering flights at competitive prices. At the time, the start-up was saying it would use next-generation Boeing narrowbody aircraft. It has since sidestepped to the A320ceo.
"We are in the process of obtaining the air operator's certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)," a spokesman told ch-aviation. "While the exact timeline for the AOC issuance is subject to DGCA compliances, we are optimistic about receiving it by the end of April."
The spokesman declined to say where the aircraft would come from, saying only that Shankh Air plans to make announcements on the matter in February, pending final agreements with lessors. He said Shankh Air chairman Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma would be supplying USD50 million as start-up funding and parent company M/s Shankh Trading Pvt. Ltd. would invest USD200 million.
Shankh Air intends to move into international operations by the end of 2027, he added.
