Air Kerala

Air Kerala was a proposed Indian start-up LCC which planned to operate services from Kerala state to the Gulf Region. The carrier was to be supported by the state Government. Air Kerala was due to commence operations in Nov-2015. A precise launch date is still unknown but the carrier is 'hopeful' of commencing operations. Air Kerala previously stated that it will only launch services once constraints on conducting international operations (five years domestic operations and ownership of 20 aircraft) are lifted. Though the start-up plans to service domestic destinations including Coimbatore, Mangalore and Trivandrum, with services to the Gulf region. Kerala State Government stated Air Kerala has received an exception from the 5/20 norms and plans to commence services. Air Kerala planned to operate unspecified 19-seat equipment, and has received interest from Middle Eastern investors.

In mid Jun-2016, India introduced a new civil aviation policy, with amendments to the 5/20 norms. According to the new policy, all airlines can commence international operations provided they deploy 20 aircraft or 20% of total capacity (in term of average number of seats on all departures put together), whichever is higher, for domestic operations. Air Kerala has not outlined its intentions following these regulatory changes. No additional updates have been provided, it is assumed that plans to commence operations have been suspended.