Shankh Airlines is poised to commence its flight operations in January, intending to connect Lucknow with major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. The airline will initially operate with a fleet of three Airbus aircraft and aims to expand its services throughout Uttar Pradesh. Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma envisions making air travel more accessible for middle-class passengers and first-time flyers, challenging the perception that flying is a luxury. With aspirations for international flights by 2028 or 2029, Shankh Airlines marks a significant development in the aviation sector.
Initial Operations and Fleet Expansion
Shankh Airlines plans to begin its services in the first half of January with three Airbus aircraft in its initial fleet. The focus will be on connecting Lucknow to key metropolitan areas, including Delhi and Mumbai. According to Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, the airline will also serve multiple destinations across Uttar Pradesh during this initial phase. He mentioned plans for fleet expansion, with two additional aircraft expected to join within the next month and a half. Vishwakarma expressed a vision of extending coverage across the entire country, with international operations anticipated by 2028 or 2029.
Vision for Accessible Air Travel
Vishwakarma emphasized that Shankh Airlines aims to make air travel feasible for middle-class individuals and first-time flyers. He insists that flying should not be seen as a luxury, but rather as a common mode of transportation, akin to buses or tempos. The airline’s mission is to shift the perception of air travel, enhancing its inclusivity. Reflecting on his journey, he shared that the inspiration to enter the aviation sector emerged about four years ago. He invested time in understanding the requisite processes, regulations, and requirements to establish an airline. What started as a mere idea has evolved into a real venture.
Background and Entrepreneurial Journey
Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma hails from a modest middle-class background where dreaming big was often deemed unrealistic. He recounted that growing up, merely earning a livelihood was considered enough, with aspirations beyond that being uncommon. Despite limited formal education and a lack of interest in academics, Vishwakarma’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore various small businesses, many of which faced hurdles. His business journey accelerated in 2014 when he entered the cement trade, followed by ventures in TMT steel, mining, and transport. Currently, he oversees a fleet of over 400 trucks, describing his growth as gradual and organic, evolving without grand planning.
Funding and Future Aspirations
Vishwakarma highlighted that aviation is one of the fastest-growing sectors, primarily due to its strong cash flow. He pointed out that the industry operates without a credit system, which can lead to the demise of many businesses reliant on credit. Shankh Airlines has secured funding through its parent company, acquiring aircraft on lease and financing through external entities. Vishwakarma noted that the airline is not focused on competing for market shares but rather on self-improvement. Regarding ticket pricing, he assured that fares would remain stable during festival seasons, although business-class tickets may be priced higher than competitors’. Furthermore, he expressed a commitment to creating job opportunities for the youth, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations without fear of judgment.
Digihunt is not a financial advisor and this is not investment advice.