Jettwings Airways, the newest entrant in the domestic aviation sector, on Wednesday, announced that it has received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to operate as a "Scheduled Commuter Air Transport Services" provider in the northeastern region of the country. Based in Guwahati, Jettwings Airways is poised to become the first airline from the northeast India region to commence operations nationwide.
According to the news agency PTI, the airline is aiming to start flying in October. Initially, Jettwings plans to offer regional connectivity to passengers under the government's UDAN scheme to a number of destinations in the Northeast and Eastern regions.
According to the report, once approved for flight operations, Jettwings will be the first-ever company from the Northeast region to start airline operations in the country.
Once it has obtained the required regulatory approvals and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the news agency said that Jettwings Airways intends to introduce a modern fleet of aircraft, featuring turbofan and turbo-propelled models. These aircraft will be utilised to provide premium economy services for regional travel.
Sanjive Narain, Chairman of Jettwings Airways, in a press conference, said, "Jettwings Airways has been established with a vision to revolutionize regional connectivity by delivering superior service, comfort and convenience to passengers. The government's commitment and efforts to improve air connectivity through Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) by connecting regional airports has significantly improved trade for particular regions while fostering economic growth and has given huge fillip to the development of the tourism sector."
"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," he added.
Narain also said the company is expecting two aircraft by October and will immediately start flying operations once the planes are received. He also revealed the company's plan to lease at least five planes within a year.
Jettwings Airways, as per the report, said that it will lease the aircraft from government-suggested companies. It has allocated Rs 100 crore as initial funding for the project. Recognizing the need for reliable and high-quality regional connectivity, Jettwings Airways has formed a team of skilled aviation professionals. Furthermore, the airline intends to introduce a loyalty program to provide incentives for frequent flyers.
"We will be working closely with DGCA to complete our readiness and formalities for Scheduled Commuter Airlines operations. Once we are granted the AOC, 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 the next few months of our preparations as we near take off," said Sanjay Aditya Singh, Co-founder and CEO, Jettwings Airways.