Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, who once drove an autorickshaw in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, is preparing to launch Shankh Airline, a full‑service carrier that intends to link major Indian cities and boost regional connectivity. The entrepreneur told Dainik Bhaskar that he conceived the idea in 2020–21 after observing growth opportunities in the aviation sector and set about acquiring the necessary clearances and expertise.
Shankh Airline
Vishwakarma said the company has already secured its no‑objection certificate and will begin operations with an initial fleet of five Airbus A320 aircraft. The aeroplanes are currently undergoing painting abroad and are due to arrive in India in January or February, with commercial services planned to begin around 10–15 April.
The airline will base its operations in Lucknow and maintain an office in Gurugram. Early schedules will prioritise routes that strengthen links between Uttar Pradesh and India’s metropolitan centres, including connections such as Varanasi–Delhi and Mumbai–Lucknow. The stated aim is to serve middle‑class travellers with competitive fares while providing full‑service offerings.
Financing for the venture combines a foreign bank loan with trading support from the parent company, and Vishwakarma also acknowledged backing from business associates overseas. He described the company’s financial position as robust and said funding arrangements will support fleet expansion and longer‑term international plans envisioned for 2028–29.
Vishwakarma’s business background spans cement trading, TMT steel work, property and mining. He says those enterprises helped build the capital and operational experience that underpin his new aviation project. Today he also operates a sizeable road fleet of more than 400 vehicles, which he credits with contributing to his capacity to move into aviation.
On comparisons with established carriers such as IndiGo and Air India, Vishwakarma emphasised Shankh Airline’s focus on service quality and a distinct identity rather than head‑to‑head competition. He plans a gradual expansion of the fleet and network, initially concentrating on regional connectivity within India before ramping up to international services in the medium term.
Vishwakarma spoke candidly about his personal journey, recounting how necessity and perseverance guided him from running a tent‑business and driving an autorickshaw to becoming the founder of an airline. He cited his mother’s support and the responsibility he took on after his father’s death as formative influences on his determination to succeed.
Looking ahead, the entrepreneur aims to place the airline among the country’s top carriers within five years, promising affordable fares and a passenger experience aimed at the middle class. Regulators, industry observers and potential travellers will watch closely as Shankh Airline seeks to translate an ambitious vision and unconventional personal story into sustained operational performance.
Key Takeaways:
- Shankh Airline, founded by Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma from Unnao, plans to launch regional flights from Lucknow and Delhi, targeting middle‑class travellers.
- The carrier will begin with five Airbus A320s, scheduled to enter service in April, and aims to expand domestically before moving to international routes by 2028–29.
- Financing includes a foreign bank loan, support from the parent company and international partners, with a focus on affordable fares and regional connectivity.
