New Air Lines Takes Flights: Creating a Wave of Job Opportunities in India's Aviation Industry

Expanding on the recent conversation about the increasing demand for aviation graduates in India, Goa-based Fly91 began its operations in March 2024, while Assam-based Jettwings Airways, Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air, and two Kerala-based ventures, Air Kerala and alhindair, are set to join the Indian aviation sector in the near future.

1. Shankh Air

Shankh Air, part of Shankh Aviation Private Limited, recently received a three-year No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the government to operate. The airline plans to set up its main hubs in Lucknow and Noida, focusing on connecting major cities across India. Its goal is to provide affordable, reliable flights while prioritizing passenger comfor

image source: https://shankhair.com/

Shankh Air aims to become a significant player in India, the third-largest aviation market in the world. The airline, which is set to commence operations later this year, shall launch a full-service Scheduled Airline with Narrow Body Single Aisle New Generation Boeing Aircrafts, with a view to serving pan-India connectivity.

Shankh Air is in the process of staffing for various roles. They are hiring for positions such as pilots (Boeing 737-800NG type-rated), first officers, cabin crew, air hostess, airport managers, security personnel, aircraft maintenance engineers, and airport ground staff. This recruitment effort is part of their preparation for the launch of full-service scheduled flights in India, with a focus on regional connectivity from hubs like Lucknow and Noida.

Source: https://shankhair.com/work-with-us

Shankh Air’s entry into the Indian aviation market is expected to generate numerous job opportunities, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, aligning with the government’s regional connectivity goals. This will include positions in operational management, flight operations, customer service, and more.

2. alhindair

Alhind Air is an upcoming airline venture based in Kerala, poised to make its mark in the Indian aviation industry. Positioned as a regional airline, Alhind Air aims to cater to the growing demand for air travel across tier-2 and tier-3 cities in Kerala and neighboring regions. The airline plans to focus on enhancing connectivity within the state, promoting tourism, and supporting local economic development. Alhind Air's entry into the market aligns with the Indian government's initiatives to boost regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme, contributing to the growth of affordable and accessible air travel for the common citizens

image source: https://www.alhindair.com/

What are the job opportunities opens up when a new airline begins operation?

1.Flight Operations

• Pilots (Captains and First Officers): Pilots are responsible for flying the aircraft and ensuring the safety of the flight. Captains, as the senior pilot, oversee all operations and decision-making, while First Officers assist and share flying duties. They monitor weather, communicate with air traffic control, and handle any in-flight emergencies.
• Flight Attendants/Cabin Crew/Air Hostess: Air Hostess ensures passenger safety by conducting safety demonstrations, enforcing regulations, and responding to emergencies. They also provide in-flight services, including serving meals and assisting passengers with any needs throughout the journey.
• Flight Operations Managers: These managers oversee flight planning, ensuring optimal routes, coordinating dispatch, and managing crew schedules to meet operational and safety standards.

2.Ground Operations

• Airport Ground Staff: Ground staff play a crucial role in airport operations by assisting passengers with check-in, managing boarding procedures, and handling luggage. They ensure smooth coordination of boarding, assist with special needs passengers, and manage lost or delayed baggage. Their efficiency directly impacts the overall travel experience.
• Aircraft Dispatchers: Aircraft dispatchers are responsible for creating and coordinating flight schedules and plans. They work closely with pilots to ensure safe routes, monitor weather conditions, and adjust plans if necessary. Dispatchers act as a critical link between the ground and air, helping pilots with real-time updates.
• Customer Service Representatives: These representatives handle passenger inquiries, assist with booking and ticketing, and address complaints or service issues. They offer support through multiple channels, including phone, online, and in-person, ensuring a smooth and satisfying travel experience for passengers.

3.Maintenance and Engineering

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs): AMEs are responsible for conducting regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs on aircraft to ensure they are safe and airworthy. They check various systems, including engines, hydraulics, and avionics, diagnosing and fixing any issues that could impact flight safety. Their work is crucial in preventing mechanical failures and ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.
• Quality Assurance Engineers: These engineers ensure that all maintenance and repair work on aircraft meets strict safety and regulatory standards. They oversee inspections, evaluate procedures, and implement safety protocols to ensure the highest quality of work and compliance with aviation laws.
• Airport Managers: Airport managers oversee the overall operation of an airport, including staffing, resource management, and customer service. They coordinate with airlines, ground staff, and security teams to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient airport operations. Their responsibilities also include managing budgets, maintaining facilities, and responding to emergencies or operational disruptions.

4.In-Flight Services

• Catering Managers: Catering managers are responsible for overseeing all food and beverage services provided on flights. They coordinate with suppliers to ensure high-quality meals are prepared according to airline standards, manage dietary requests, and ensure that food safety regulations are met. Their role includes planning menus, controlling costs, and maintaining efficient logistics for loading and unloading catering supplies.
• In-Flight Entertainment Managers: In-flight entertainment managers oversee the setup, maintenance, and operation of entertainment systems on aircraft. They ensure that movies, music, games, and other media content are available and functioning properly. They also update content regularly and troubleshoot any technical issues to enhance the passenger experience.

Conclusion

The launch of new airlines like Shankh Air, alhindair, Air Kerala, and Fly91 is reshaping India's aviation landscape, enhancing connectivity, and opening up numerous job opportunities. These airlines are committed to regional connectivity, which aligns with the government's UDAN scheme and aims to bring affordable air travel to underserved regions. The expansion is expected to create diverse career prospects in areas such as flight operations, ground services, maintenance, and customer support. Overall, this growth is poised to significantly contribute to economic development, tourism, and employment, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.