What is Shankh Air? All you need to know about India's newest airline

Shankh Air, Uttar Pradesh's first domestic airline, will operate from Noida International Airport with Boeing 737-800NG planes. It aims to connect underserved cities while offering full-service travel at competitive prices to enhance regional connectivity.

Shankh Air is set to become a prominent domestic airline based in Uttar Pradesh, India, marking the state’s first scheduled carrier. The airline is positioning its main hub at the new airport being developed in Noida, aiming to commence operations with a fleet of Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. Currently, Shankh Air is in the process of obtaining the no-objection certificate from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.

KEY DETAILS ABOUT SHANKH AIR

Shankh Air is owned by Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma, who leads a dedicated management team. Recently, they have engaged with airport officials to solidify their operational plans.

The airline aims to provide full-service passenger travel with a focus on safety, sustainability, and reliability. Shankh Air plans to connect various Indian cities, particularly enhancing connectivity around the Delhi NCR region.

It is expected to serve as a major hub for areas like Greater Noida, Noida, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, South Gurgaon, and Agra, and to eventually evolve into an international aviation hub comparable to major global airports.

PLANNED DESTINATIONS

Shankh Air will facilitate convenient travel for residents of Greater Noida, Noida, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and southern Gurgaon.

The airline intends to connect all major Indian cities, thereby improving both inter and intra-state travel options. Key destinations include:

• Lucknow
• Varanasi
• Gorakhpur

Shankh Air also plans to establish routes to emerging airports such as:

• Bhogapuram Airport
• Pune International Airport
• Navi Mumbai International Airport

By focusing on high-demand areas with limited existing connectivity, Shankh Air aims to enhance regional travel options.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Shankh Air seeks to compete with established airlines in India through several strategic initiatives designed to improve connectivity, customer service, and operational efficiency:

• The airline will base its primary operations at Noida International Airport, which is ideally situated to serve the densely populated Delhi NCR region.
• This hub will facilitate smooth connections to numerous domestic destinations and boost passenger traffic from surrounding areas.
• Shankh Air plans to operate inter and intra-state routes that cater to cities experiencing high demand but lacking direct flight options.
• This approach will fill existing gaps in the market, providing travellers with more choices.
• The airline will operate the modern Boeing 737-800NG, which is suitable for both passenger and cargo transport. A young fleet is expected to enhance safety and efficiency in service delivery.
• Shankh Air will position itself as a full-service airline, offering a two-class product to provide a superior travel experience that distinguishes it from low-cost carriers.
• By maintaining competitive pricing while upholding high service standards, Shankh Air aims to attract price-sensitive travellers who often compromise on comfort.
• The airline plans to collaborate with the Noida International Airport to streamline operations and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
• These strategic measures are designed to help Shankh Air carve out a niche in the competitive Indian aviation market, which has seen significant consolidation amongst major players like IndiGo and Air India.
• By servicing underserved routes and prioritising customer-centric services, the airline hopes to gain a cost advantage as it launches operations.