Alhind Air received its no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation in December 2025. However, the start of commercial operations remains distant as the carrier continues to face delays in securing aircraft and closing financing arrangements required to move to the next stage of regulatory approvals.
Sources said the airline has been scouting for aircraft for an extended period, with plans to begin operations with three ATR 72 turboprop aircraft and expand its fleet to seven over time. Alhind has been in discussions to purchase pre-owned aircraft that are four to five years old, a move aimed at reducing acquisition costs compared to new deliveries.
Aircraft availability constraints
Sources from the airline on the condition of anonymity have pointed at aircraft availability constraints; industry executives say supply is not the binding issue. Pre-owned ATRs are available in the global market, and some Indian carriers are in the process of inducting similar aircraft in the near term.
The primary hurdle, according to sources, is financing. Leasing aircraft is generally easier for new airlines, but Alhind is understood to prefer outright purchases to lower long-term operating costs, according to people in the know. Ownership, however, requires significant upfront capital and lender confidence, both of which remain limited. While aircraft acquisitions are expected to be funded largely by the company, efforts are underway to attract external investors, though no firm commitments have been secured.
Involvement of Martin consulting
Sources said Alhind engaged Martin Consulting as an advisor to assist with the acquisition of two ATR aircraft. Financing discussions reportedly stalled after the parent group was unwilling to provide hard security or collateral, typically required for aircraft purchase financing.
Martin consulting refused to comment as the matter is under arbitration. Delays between Alhind’s initial launch plans and the eventual issuance of the NOC also increased holding costs. To conserve cash, the airline had to place a majority of its employees on leave without pay.
Without confirmed aircraft contracts, Alhind Air cannot apply for an air operator’s certificate (AOC), the final clearance required to commence operations. When flights do begin, the airline plans to base its initial services out of Kochi, connecting the city with destinations across southern India, including some routes under the government’s UDAN scheme.