Former Tempo Driver Launches Shankh Air, Securing NOC to Fly Airbus Jets.

December 31, 2025 at 09:11 AM•3 min read

Shankh Air, founded by entrepreneur Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, secured its No Objection Certificate (NOC) and plans a Q1 2026 launch with Airbus aircraft, targeting India's

Key Points

1Shankh Air, founded by Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, received its MoCA NOC and plans to launch operations in the first quarter of 2026.
2The startup airline will begin with an initial fleet of three Airbus aircraft, operating from Lucknow and the new Noida International Airport (Jewar).
3The airline's strategy targets India's price-sensitive middle-class with affordable full-service flights, challenging the 70% market dominance of low-cost carriers like IndiGo.
4India's domestic air traffic rose 7% year-on-year in November 2025, but the industry is projected to face a net loss of up to ₹18,000 crore in FY26, highlighting market challenges.

Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, Chairman of Shankh Aviation, is preparing to launch his new carrier, Shankh Air. The airline recently received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). This approval marks a major step toward commercial operations. Vishwakarma's journey from a former tempo driver in Kanpur to an airline founder is remarkable. His success in the building materials and trading sector provided the capital for this venture.

Operational Launch and Fleet Strategy

Shankh Air is targeting a launch in the first quarter of 2026. The airline hopes to begin flying as early as January 2026. Initial plans call for an initial fleet of three Airbus aircraft. The company intends to rapidly expand its fleet size. The goal is to reach 20–25 aircraft within two to three years. International operations are anticipated by 2028 or 2029.

Key Routes and Base Airports

The airline will operate from its primary base in Lucknow. It will also use the new Noida International Airport (Jewar Airport). This airport is a major new aviation hub for Uttar Pradesh. The initial route network will focus on major metro cities. These include Delhi and Mumbai. Flights will also serve Tier-II cities and destinations across Uttar Pradesh.

Targeting India’s Growing Air Travel Market

Shankh Air is positioning itself as a full-service carrier. The core strategy is to offer affordable ticket prices. This is aimed at middle-class passengers and first-time flyers. Vishwakarma stated that air travel should not be seen as a luxury. The company has pledged not to increase ticket prices during festive seasons. This move is designed to make flying more accessible.

Competition in a Challenging Sector

India is the world's third-largest civil aviation market. The domestic market is heavily dominated by low-cost carriers (LCCs). LCCs hold about 70% of the total capacity. Market leader IndiGo alone accounts for about 53% of seat capacity. The entry of new players like Shankh Air and others is a key development. It signals a push to break the domestic aviation duopoly. However, the sector faces significant financial headwinds. The domestic aviation industry is estimated to post a net loss of up to ₹18,000 crore in the current fiscal year. New entrants must navigate high fuel costs and intense price competition.

This growth story is a major focus in commercial aviation news. The launch of Shankh Air highlights entrepreneurial spirit. It also underscores the potential of regional hubs like Lucknow and Jewar. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is actively supporting new airlines. This is part of a broader strategy to boost connectivity. For more insights on the global industry, visit https://flying.flights.