Gulf NRIs plan to launch private airline Air Kerala

M A Yousuf Ali, Managing Director, EMKE Group to spearhead project

By
  • VM Sathish
Published

Leading Non Resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE and other Gulf countries are planning to float a new private airline, Air Kerala, to address travel problems faced by the South Indian community and the allegedly poor services offered by the Indian national carrier Air India.

M A Yousuf Ali, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi-based EMKE Group of Companies, is taking the lead in forming the new private airline.

The NRIs claim that they have the backing of Kerala Chief Minister Ommen Chandy.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7 at his office in Abu Dhabi, MA Yousuf Ali said he is keen to be part of the new project from Kerala.

On Saturday M A Yousuf Ali resigned from the Board of Directors of Air India where has been an independent director since May 2010.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Yousuf Ali said, “We will discuss the Air Kerala project along with various other infrastructure projects during the Emerging Kerala conference in September. There is enough space for a private airline from Kerala because of the vast majority of Gulf expatriates who hail from there.”

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Comments

  • shaila ali 22 October 2012 14:59 1 0
    Dear Sir Please proceed it fast, we are always with you. if you want any help we are always with you.NRI suffered many thing (financialy / mentaly)against air india.
  • Jabin raju 17 October 2012 17:25 2 3
    I am very happy to read this news because I am a student and will get more opportunities to fly with different and economical airlines.
  • abin 17 August 2012 12:50 2 2
    Great job
  • anil 27 July 2012 03:02 2 2
    Mr M A Yousuf Ali good start. best of lack! we all NRI with u
  • Expat 23 July 2012 16:43 3 2
    The day first low-cost airline was launched here, I decided not to fly Air India. I am not sure why still people even try to book on Air India Express. Yes it might be Dh100 cheaper but for the agony and pain till you actually fly and reach your destination is not worth it. You have to think - will it be changed, rescheduled, will it fly safely (as all planes are very old), etc etc. Air India has lost at least Dh40,000 from me and family in the past 5 years to UAE's low-cost carriers and other airlines.
  • Ram Singh 22 July 2012 22:27 5 0
    I personally congratulate Mr. Yousuf Ali, Emke group for taking this step. Please consider the other states of India too, not only south India. There are Amritsar, Pune and many more passengers are suffering with Indian Airline Express. Air Kerala I want to be not only Keralite flight it should be Indian Flight. But please keep in mind fare price. Congratulation once again and I am ready to contribute my time and service free of cost to you.
  • joseph 22 July 2012 22:17 2 1
    Ramadan Kareem to all Biggest problem with Air India is their uncommitted staff, they work like a govt. office.why can’t they put up their new weekly schedule in the website so that passengers know what is happening .It seems lot of credit card refunds are pending too. Pls avoid this airline , simply useless Great going Mr.YA, we are with you. It will be a success with the backing of the largest communities in the Gulf. Love to fly Air Kerala one day.
  • vijay bhatia 22 July 2012 21:53 3 0
    Guys i hope the service is good and prompt..I hope after buisness is picked up they dont increase the fares like other airlines..WELL DONE YOUSUF Bhai..U make kerlalites proud..cheers mate
  • rbk 22 July 2012 13:42 2 0
    (Continugin to previous mail-)So i say people should purposefully avoid Air India and try for other flights. They are doing neglegence to only uae sectors and for europen countries passengers are geting better hospitality than us. So awaiting to fly in Air Kerala soon..
  • rbk 22 July 2012 13:41 3 1
    This is a good initiative & will be a new breath for all the keralites.i have been traveling from dubai to trv or cok for the last ten years very year atleast two times and i preffer Emirates/etihad or Air Arabia, coz i am afraid to take tickets with my family because of the uncertainty with managements of air-india/express..
  • John Puthen 22 July 2012 13:22 1 1
    Well done YA I will be one of the investor...YOu can do it we are with you.. Take the lead please...
  • mohammed 22 July 2012 11:53 4 2
    Congrats ... , I Hope ur dream will sucess,My suggetion " kerla NRI's can lease Air india / king fisher .. see what is happening".. Emerging Keralaaaaaaa...
  • Abdul Azeez Moideen 22 July 2012 10:43 3 1
    It is possible. All NRI's and keralites will support the idea Air Kerala.All the best from Cochintes Abu Dhabi and Aroma Abu Dhabi
  • Joy John Thottungal 22 July 2012 10:29 15 2
    Air kerala Staff should be recruited on the basis of renewable job contract of 3 years like in gulf countries etc to avoid strikes and to have proper & prompt services.
  • Rajan 22 July 2012 08:41 3 1
    A concept of a gulf specific 'air kerala'may be feasible,provided it is run in a highly professional manner as the stakes involved are of immense financial liabilities. Lessons to be learned from the same our own Air India, Kingfisher and many.
  • geekay 22 July 2012 08:39 7 6
    All best wishes, sir..Hope like Lulu, it will also become number ONE in its category ! May the Almighty bless...
  • Anish Kumar 22 July 2012 07:39 7 0
    Yes, these airlines are taking NRIs for a ride by cancelling prime flights, increasing fares during peak season. Even these economy airlines are not actually economical-they charge passenger for each activity (seat allocation, baggages & even for a cup of water). Its high time that a new user-friendly airlines came up with solutions to all of these. I hope that the new carrier sets up a direction.
  • saleem 21 July 2012 19:53 2 7
    Cool. I love it. NRIs need it
  • Siva Sankar 21 July 2012 16:24 12 4
    A very good initiative, as we deserve to have better service. I would like to be part of this initiative, to best of my ability.

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