With an idea to provide total connectivity to all parts of the state, covering even smaller regions, Deccan Aviation is on the verge of unveiling its new unit - Air Deccan. The official launch will be during the month of August. Comprising of six imported ATR 42-320’s, this low-cost, no-frills, 48-seater airline will link remote regions which are straining to get connectivity with other major towns.

“The idea is to connect all regions in the state with potential in some field or the other. For example, Hampi, Belgaum, Bijapur, Mysore, Hubli etc are unique in their own respect. Tourism of course being primary and common,” says Captain G R Gopinath, managing director, Deccan Aviation. “We will use proven, rugged and sophisticated aircraft for short haul trips,” adds Gopinath. The 48-seater aircraft can land on short runways.

The no-frills aviation will have no in-flight services. As law mandates that there should be an air hostess or steward if the number of passengers are more than 10, the aircraft will have just one hostess. Eatables and beverages will be available but passenger will have to purchase them. The fares will be slightly higher than that of a Rajdhani.

“The idea is to wean away the top end of air-conditioned rail passengers. It is an idea that has potentail and should be developed. We are trying to create a low cost airline where the fare is almost 50 per cent lower than conventional airlines. Ultimately, we want to provide a general mode of transportation to the masses,” added Gopinath.

Liberalisation has made businessmen expand bases and set up operations at cheaper localities, which are, however, poorly connected. Typical routes could be Bangalore-Hampi-Goa, Bangalore-Puttaparthy-Mumbai, Bangalore-Salem, Bangalore-Madurai, Bangalore-Hampi-Goa and many more.

A low-cost airline needs small airports and an aircraft that has a quick turnaround to keep flying for long hours. It also means more number of flights. Deccan Aviation also counts on the low number of support staff such as airport assistants and ticket clerks. The concept, which could be quite unique but yet to catch up in India, while in the West, small airlines are a success. “In India, there are around 4,000 flights a day whereas in the United States, the number is 4,00,000. This number will grow only when smaller and major cities are connected. Small airlines are a roaring success in the west. US-based South West Airlines, which began operations with one aircraft in 1973, is now a US$ 6 billion company. It survived depression, wars and even September 11, and consistently recorded profits. The aircraft has just one air hostess and no meals served on board. The government seems to have been encouraging the efforts. They have also aggressively started to promote regions like Hampi, Hubli, Belgaum etc. They have even reduced the sales tax of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 25 to 4 per cent,” says Gopinath.

Deccan Aviation, with a fleet of 10 aircraft including eight helicopters, already carries corporate CEOs and other profile personalities. Deccan Aviation has also started services in Vaishnodevi, where they provide heli-rides from Katra to the main temple. They are also working towards a tie-up with Sri Lanka and Bhutan governments for heli-services. Apart from these they have regular heli-tourism packages all over the country.