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29 March 2024

Gulf NRIs plan to launch private airline Air Kerala

Published
By VM Sathish

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.”