Shankh Air, poised to become Uttar Pradesh’s first scheduled airline, is making significant strides towards its launch, with final approvals pending from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Chairman Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma recently met with Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu to discuss the airline’s strategic direction as a Full-Service Start-Up Airline.
Shankh Air aims to establish its primary hub at the Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar, enhancing both national and regional connectivity. This strategic move is expected to play a critical role in boosting the region’s air cargo capacity, offering a much-needed logistics lifeline for businesses and industries across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
The Noida International Airport, developed by Zurich International Airport, is positioned as a major greenfield international airport, strategically located near the planned YEIDA city. It is designed to serve as a crucial connection hub for the Delhi NCR region, including Greater Noida, Noida, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, southern Gurgaon, and Agra.
With its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities, Noida International Airport is well-positioned to become a pivotal air cargo hub. Shankh Air’s decision to base its operations here underscores its commitment to leveraging this potential. The airline plans to use Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, which are well-suited for both passenger and cargo operations, offering dual-class full-service amenities.
Initially, Shankh Air will connect Noida with key upcoming airports such as Bhogapuram, Pune International, and later Navi Mumbai International Airport. This network expansion is expected to significantly enhance air cargo connectivity within and beyond Uttar Pradesh. By focusing on major cities, including Lucknow, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur, Shankh Air aims to create efficient cargo transport routes that facilitate faster and more reliable logistics solutions for businesses in these regions.
The emphasis on competitive pricing and exceptional customer service will extend to the air cargo sector, ensuring that businesses have access to cost-effective and high-quality logistics options. The commencement of operations by the end of the year is anticipated to bring a new era of air cargo capabilities to the state.
The integration of Shankh Air’s services with the state-of-the-art facilities at Noida International Airport is expected to create a robust air cargo network. This will facilitate smoother and more efficient transportation of goods, supporting the growth of local businesses and attracting new investments to the region.
As Shankh Air advances its launch preparations, the final approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation remains the last hurdle. Once operational, the airline is set to transform the air cargo landscape in Uttar Pradesh, providing much-needed connectivity and logistics solutions.
