Regional aviation looks to fly higher as operators chart plans in Goa

Regional airlines have also struggled due to under investment, rising costs and flight of trained manpower to established larger carriers

Goa’s second airport began operations last week and if all goes according to plans, the state will be the base for a new regional airline, Fly91.

Promoted by the ex-executive vice-president of now grounded Kingfisher Airlines, Manoj Chacko, and Fairfax India's former head, Harsha Raghavan, the airline will offer no-frills buy on board product and serve unconnected routes with two ATR 72 aircraft. An application for the initial no-objection clearance was filed with the civil aviation ministry last week.

“Goa is the eighth largest busiest destination in India with respect to domestic air travel,” Chacko said. “It is