NEW AIRLINE - India's Shankh Air hopeful of first aircraft in late 1Q25

The co-founder and executive director of Indian start-up Shankh Air (Lucknow) has told the Hindu Business Line newspaper that he is optimistic its first aircraft will arrive by the end of March.
"In all probability, we are expecting our first aircraft to arrive by March 2025," said Anurag Chhabra. "We will be leasing at least two aircraft to start with and will take the count to five within the first year of operations as per the conditions laid down by Directorate General of Civil Aviation. [...] We have secured a full-service national carrier licence, and hence, to start with, we are looking for only jet aircraft."
Earlier this year, ch-aviation reported that Shankh Air was planning a May 2025 launch using A320-200s. However, the DGCA has not yet issued the airline its air operator's certificate. Chhabra also told the newspaper that the leasing market was tight but that he was confident of securing the aircraft he needs despite the short timeline.
In response to ch-aviation inquiries, a Shankh Air spokesperson said they were reviewing the technical aspects of an aircraft but declined to say more, citing a non-disclosure agreement.
Initially, Shankh Air plans to operate scheduled services from Lucknow to Delhi International, followed by flights from Lucknow to Mumbai International. The publicised fleet plan is to acquire five A320-200s this year and another ten in 2026.

CH Aviation