A new airline is taking the skies in the Indian aviation industry after Assam-based Jettwings Airways announced its plans to launch scheduled commercial flights operations across the Northeast from October 2023. Making the announcement during a launch ceremony in Delhi, the top management of the airline revealed that they have received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to operate flights under the UDAN scheme.
The carrier will have its base in Guwahati will now seek for AOC and other regulatory approvals from DGCA as it plans to build its fleet with mid-size aircraft from Brazilian airframer comprising of 4 E 175 aircraft with Dual Class Configuration (Business Class & Premium Economy options) from Embraer powered by the General Electric CF34 turbofan initially.
Jettwings plans to induct five aircraft into its fleet in the first phase and expects to start operations with two of them initially which it is scheduled to receive in October. Once approved for flight operations, Jettwings Airways will be the first ever company from the Northeast region to operate airline operations in the country.
The primary aim of Jettwings is to connect all the Northeast state capitals. The airline also plans to offer a loyalty program to reward frequent flyers, eventually.
On the occasion, General VK Singh, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Civil Aviation virtually addressed the launch event and said that the small aircraft aviation market in India will considerably in the near future.
The travel demand between the UAE and India is swiftly recovering and witnessing continued growth. In response to the dynamic market conditions, Salil Nath, General Manager, Indian Subcontinent, Etihad Airways in conversation with ETTravelWorld said the airline has displayed remarkable agility in adding new destinations where they identify demand and untapped opportunities, including the re-introduction of Kolkata route.
“Small aircraft are efficient to do frequent trips to bring passengers and probably bring more profitability as they can be the feeders to the larger hubs as well. Airlines should focus on steady profits in the long run. Short-term profits do not last. We have seen airlines failing because everybody is initially trying to go for short-term profits. It is not going to work. I wish Jettwings team the very best. When the government starts international UDAN routes, I am sure the airline would be one of the first to take routes,” Singh said. Addressing the media, Sanjive Narain, Chairman, Jettwings Airways said, “We believe that under the UDAN Scheme, we have a unique opportunity to make significant impact on the Northeast region by improving connectivity and creating new economic opportunities. Our target is to connect the entire country with the airline at affordable fares and give them the best of luxury. We are very confident that we will be able to sustain this business in the long run with our elaborate plans.”
Sanjay Aditya Singh, Co-Founder and CEO, Jettwings Airways stated, “We will be working closely with DGCA to complete our readiness and formalities to commence operations at the earliest. We strongly believe and commit to becoming a reliable and sustainable airline with its roots deeply entrenched in Northeast India, connecting unique yet important destinations. An airline born in the Northeast with the sense of doing business in India was much needed and Jettwings Airways shall strive to achieve the same in next few months of our preparations as we near take off.”
