Air Kerala to charge 1/4th fare from poor expats

Air Kerala, Kerala government's proposed low cost airline, will charge one-fourth fare to poor non-resident Indians (NRIs), who were not able to return for over five years. Twenty seats will be reserved for them in every aircraft.

On behalf of the Kerala government, Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), has registered the company to run Air Kerala, which will have an authorised share capital of Rs 200 crore.

"For Kerala government, Air Kerala is a social responsibility. This airline will be offering lowest fare in the industry to Gulf. Considering the difficulties faced by the poor NRIs in Gulf, we will charge only one-fourth of fare and reserve 20 seats in every aircraft," Kerala Chief Minister Ommen Chandi told Business Standard.

Chandy said this would done soon after Air Kerala gets permission to fly abroad. At present, current regulations allows companies with a fleet of 20 aircraft and five years of flying experience to fly abroad.

"We will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel for relaxation of conditions for Air Kerala," Chandy said.

Kerala Chief Minister pointed out that Air-India Express had secured the permission to fly overseas as it is low-cost subsidiary of Air-India.

"We are asking to give permission for Air Kerala, as an airline of state government which is in turn helping the NRIs working in Gulf," Chandy added. Chandy will be the Chairman of Air Kerala while CIAL Managing Director V J Kurien would be MD for Air Kerala.