Kerala has approved a cooperative-sector airline proposal that could raise ₹400 crore from cooperative societies, Gulf News reported, as planners seek to widen regional air links and travel options.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced approval at a Calicut City Service Cooperative Society event in Kozhikode on Sunday, Gulf News reported. The outlet described the project as a possible first for India’s cooperative airline sector.
Co-Keralam is the proposed name, and Gulf News reported that MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute chairman C.N. Vijayakrishnan would lead the airline. The plan envisages about 200 cooperative societies contributing ₹2 crore apiece, for a potential total of ₹400 crore.
Promoters told Gulf News that the initiative would take inspiration from Cochin International Airport’s multi-investor financing and would not need financial assistance from the state government.
For the proposed start, planners are considering a pair of leased 72-seat planes based in Kochi, according to Gulf News. Proposed routes would connect Kochi with Kozhikode, Kannur, Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai. The outlet reported an indicative fare range of ₹3,500 to ₹7,000; routes and fares have not been finalized.
The proposal is presented as a way to improve regional links, make air travel more affordable and create jobs, Gulf News reported. No launch date, flight schedule or ticket-sales date has been announced, according to the outlet.
