Who is Mohammed Haris T, the owner of Al Hind Air, India's new airline?

The Indian aviation sector is set for new competition. The Ministry of Civil Aviation recently granted a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to Al Hind Air, a proposed India's new airline. This approval is part of a broader government effort to challenge the market’s heavy concentration. The airline is promoted by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, a major travel and tourism company. The man behind this new venture is Mohammed Haris T, the Chairman and owner of the Alhind Group of Companies.

Al Hind Air is one of three carriers recently cleared by the ministry, alongside Shankh Air and FlyExpress. The government's decision follows widespread operational disruptions at market leader IndiGo, which highlighted the risks of dependence on a single dominant carrier.

The Promoter's Profile and Business Foundation

Mohammed Haris T brings extensive experience to the aviation sector. He is the principal promoter of the new airline. Haris was born in Calicut, which is now Kozhikode, in Kerala.

His academic background is diverse. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in History and Economics. Additionally, he completed a degree in Pharmacology. Haris also serves as the Founder General Secretary of the Indian Haj Umrah Association.

The foundation of Al Hind Air lies in the success of the Alhind Group Kerala. The group began as Alhind Tours and Travels Private Limited in the early 1990s. This Kerala-based Alhind Tours agency has been serving customers for over 33 years.

It grew into one of the largest full-service travel companies. The group established a strong presence in the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region starting in 1995. The Alhind Group's experience in travel management provides a strong base for the new regional commuter airline.

Regional Strategy: ATR Fleet and Kochi Hub

Al Hind Air is currently moving through the regulatory process. The next critical step is obtaining the Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The airline intends to begin operations in southern India.

Its initial fleet will consist of ATR 72-600 aircraft. This choice of ATR Turboprop aircraft signals a focus on regional connectivity. The ATR 72-600 is well-suited for short-haul routes and smaller airports. The airline plans to establish its operational hub at Kochi (Cochin International Airport Limited).

This strategy aligns with the government's UDAN scheme. UDAN aims to improve air links to smaller cities and towns. While the initial focus is domestic, the airline plans to expand to international destinations later.

Challenging India's Aviation Duopoly

The Indian domestic aviation market is one of the world's fastest-growing. However, it is effectively a duopoly. The government’s Civil Aviation Ministry approval for new carriers is a direct response to this concentration.

Data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) shows a significant imbalance. IndiGo holds a dominant IndiGo market share of over 63% of domestic air traffic. The Air India Group, which includes Air India and Air India Express, accounts for most of the remainder. Together, these two entities control over 90% of the market.

The entry of Al Hind Air, Shankh Air, and FlyExpress is crucial. It offers passengers more choice and reduces reliance on the dominant players. Industry analysts and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) agree that more competition is necessary.

New airlines face challenges in this competitive environment. Past carriers like Jet Airways and Go First have struggled. However, the market potential is enormous. Domestic air passenger traffic is projected to double. It is expected to reach 300 million passengers by the end of 2030.

The launch of Al Hind Air, with its regional focus and experienced promoter, marks a significant development in commercial aviation news. The use of the Airbus-affiliated ATR 72-600 aircraft suggests a commitment to regional growth. The coming months will be key as the airline works to secure its final operating license. For more on new airline launches, visit commercial aviation news.