Air Kerala has announced the appointment of Harish Kutty as its Chief Executive Officer. With over 35 years of experience in the aviation industry, Kutty brings a wealth of expertise to the newly established airline. Prior to this role, he served as the Director of Revenue and Network Planning at SalamAir, a regional carrier based in Oman.
A Distinguished Career Path
Harish Kutty’s aviation journey began with British Airways in 1993. Over the years, he has held key management roles with prominent airlines across India and the GCC. His experience includes working with Air Arabia, Wataniya Airways, and SpiceJet, where he served as Chief Commercial Officer. Additionally, Kutty has been Vice-President of Commercials at RAK Airways and Commercial Director at Wataniya Airways, showcasing a broad and impactful career in the sector.
Air Kerala’s Vision and Progress
Air Kerala, a new airline under the umbrella of Dubai-based Zetfly Aviation, received its initial No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from India’s Civil Aviation Minister in July 2024. The airline is targeting mid-2025 for obtaining the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). Based in Kochi, Air Kerala plans to launch commercial flights to Tier II and Tier III cities in India by the second quarter of 2025, with aspirations to expand into international routes within the GCC region.
Kutty’s Ambitions for the Airline
Harish Kutty is enthusiastic about leading Air Kerala, viewing it as the realisation of a long-held dream for Malayalees worldwide. He emphasises that the airline aims to capture the hopes, culture, and spirit of its people. Kutty acknowledges the complexities of securing the AOC but is dedicated to achieving this milestone by April 2025.
Fleet and Future Expansion
The airline is currently negotiating with ATR to lease at least three 78-seater ATR 72-600 aircraft for its initial operations. Air Kerala’s mission includes providing affordable travel options for expatriate Malayalees and aiming to commence international services by 2028. To meet the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) requirements for international flights, the airline plans to expand its fleet to at least 20 aircraft, with potential options including Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s.
This strategic expansion aligns with Air Kerala’s goal of becoming a key player in both domestic and international aviation, reflecting the dedication and expertise of its new CEO, Harish Kutty.
