The newly launched Coimbatore-based airline operator, Air Carnival, is all set to fly its maiden flight. The aircraft, model ATR-72-212A, is scheduled to take off from the Coimbatore International Airport at 0655 hours Indian Standard Time (IST), on July 18. As part of its promotional activities, the first flight in the first sector will be charged at Re.1 per fare.

Othman Chaoui, Sales Director, Ellix Aviation Capital Limited, Ireland, will flag off the aircraft.

Addressing the media today, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Manish Kumar Singh said, “Air Carnival was given the Air Operation Permit (AOP) by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on July 4. As a promotional activity, Air Carnival will fly its first flight in the first sector for Re.1 plus taxes. For the following three months, we will charge our passengers a fare of Rs.999 across our four routes.”

For the time being, the carrier will fly across Coimbatore, Chennai and Madurai only.

Currently, the company owns one aircraft that has a capacity of 70 passengers, plus crew. Air Carnival has plans of expanding its fleet of aircraft in a phased manner. This, we are informed, will happen in September and October respectively. Once the company acquires more aircrafts, Air Carnival has plans of servicing other Tier I and II cities in South India.

When asked when the airline will expand its operations across the country, Manish said that it could be achieved in two years.