From Tempo Driver to Airline Owner: Shankh Airlines Chairman Eyes January Launch.

December 30, 2025 at 04:08 PM•3 min read

Shankh Airlines, led by Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, plans a January launch with three Airbus aircraft, focusing on affordable air travel and challenging India's market duopoly.

Key Points

1Shankh Airlines plans to begin operations in the first half of January with three Airbus aircraft, focusing on Lucknow-based routes.
2Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, a former tempo driver, aims to make air travel accessible to middle-class and first-time flyers.
3The airline has the NOC but is awaiting the DGCA's Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) to launch commercial flights.
4The new entrant is part of a government effort to challenge the IndiGo and Air India Group duopoly, which controls over 90% of the Indian domestic market.

Shankh Airlines, a new Indian airline, is preparing to launch flight operations in the first half of January. Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma announced the initial plans on Tuesday. The carrier will begin with a fleet of three Airbus aircraft. Its first phase will focus on connecting Lucknow with major metro cities. These key routes include Delhi and Mumbai. Flights to destinations across Uttar Pradesh are also planned. Two additional aircraft are expected to join the fleet within six weeks. Long-term plans include international operations by 2028 or 2029.

A Vision for Affordable Air Travel

Vishwakarma, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, aims to redefine air travel. The core objective is making flying accessible to middle-class passengers. He seeks to break the perception that air travel is a luxury. He compared an aircraft to a bus or a tempo, simply a means of transport.

The Chairman's Inspiring Journey

Vishwakarma’s journey from humble beginnings is central to the airline’s story. He recalled a modest middle-class background. He admitted to having limited formal education and little interest in academics. He once drove autos and tried several small businesses that failed. His business career gained momentum in 2014 with the cement trade. This was followed by ventures into steel, mining, and transport. His parent company now operates a fleet of over 400 trucks. This tempo driver to airline owner story is a powerful symbol of aspiration. He noted that aviation's biggest strength is its strong cash flow. This is because the sector does not rely on a credit system.

Market Context and Regulatory Status

Shankh Airlines enters a rapidly growing but highly concentrated market. India's domestic aviation sector is dominated by a duopoly. IndiGo and the Air India Group together control over 90% of the market share. The government has encouraged new entrants to increase competition.

Challenges and Opportunities

New airlines face significant challenges in the competitive Indian market. The domestic industry is projected to post a net loss of up to ₹18,000 crore in the current fiscal year (FY26). This is due to factors like operational disruptions and high fuel costs.

Opportunity: Shankh Airlines plans to target Uttar Pradesh regional connectivity.
Challenge: The airline has received its No Objection Certificate (NOC). However, it must still obtain the DGCA Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) before commercial flights can begin.

The airline's focus on non-metro routes aligns with the government's UDAN scheme. This scheme promotes regional air travel. Vishwakarma stated the airline has full backing from its parent company. He also confirmed the Airbus aircraft have been acquired on lease and finance. He advised young people to ignore what others say. "If someone who once drove a tempo can run an airline, others can also move ahead," he said.

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