Gulf Air's US launch plans dependent on fleet, network

Oman's SalamAir eyes new bases with E2s; A320neo orders

India's Fly91 moots debut by late 4Q23

Mumbai-based private equity firm Convergent Finance and former Kingfisher Airlines executive Manoj Chacko have announced the formation of Fly91 (Goa Dabolim), a new Indian regional airline that aims to begin operations by December 2023.

In a joint statement, the parties said Convergent Finance and funds advised by the firm would anchor Fly91's initial INR2 billion rupee (USD24.3 million) investment.

UDO Aviation Private Limited, a holding company set up by Chacko that owns Fly91, has applied for a No Objection Certificate and for requisite security clearances from the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation. According to Chacko, Fly91 will operate a young fleet of ATR72-600s.

Fly91 aims to operate in the short-haul segment (45 and 90-minute flights), serving underserved regional airports under the Indian government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). Commercial operations will debut from Goa Dabolim, which will be the start-up's first base. The region is one of India's most popular tourist destinations.

Convergent Finance Managing Partner Harsha Raghavan will be Fly91's chairman, and Chacko will be the airline's chief executive officer....

Bahrain's Gulf Air sets long-touted US flights in motion

Gulf Air (GF, Bahrain International) has applied for a US Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) and exemption to launch direct services between Bahrain International and undisclosed points in the United States.

The Bahraini flag carrier said in its US Department of Transportation (DOT) application that it planned to launch flights as soon as it received the clearance. It acknowledged that Bahrain has not yet completed its certification under the FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) programme. Although the assessment is underway, Gulf Air said that in case it obtains the FACP before the audit is finalised, it would seek to serve the US via a wet lease or code-share. Such agreements do not require FAA Category 1 assessment.

The ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows that Gulf Air's long-haul fleet currently comprises seven B787-9s with a further five on order. However, the jets are not equipped with a crew rest and are thus unsuitable for ultra-long-haul transatlantic services.

Gulf Air was initially planning to launch services to the US in 2021,...

Bahrain's Texel Air, Sierra Nevada Corp. to form alliance

Texel Air (XLR, Bahrain International) and American aerospace and defence contracting company Sierra Nevada Corporation announced the establishment of a strategic alliance, which will include a new SPV to raise funds for the airline's growth.

The Memorandum of Understanding outlined the plan to raise capital for fleet expansion and facility investment by Texel Air, although the parties did not disclose any further details. SNC's Chief Executive Fatih Ozmen said that the carrier's business plan based around the B737-800(BCF) was very promising for further growth not just in the Middle East but also in "other global markets in the already vibrant ACMI business".

The ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows that Texel Air currently operates one B737-300(F), two B737-700(FC)s, and two B737-800(BCF)s. It recently signed a commitment for a further two -800(BCF)s with deliveries due in 2023. The privately-owned airline also partners state-owned Gulf Air (GF, Bahrain International) (which does not operate any in-house freighters).

Just days earlier, Texel Air's domestic rival MENA Cargo Airlines (MA, Bahrain...