Air Kerala, India’s start-up airline, is steadily gearing up for launch. On one hand, just as the airline management is trying to get various government and regulatory approvals, on the other hand, the airline is building up its team with experienced and seasoned aviation professionals. 

Kirti Rao, a chartered accountant with over three decades of expertise in aviation finance, joined the Air Kerala team as their chief financial officer (CFO). Prior to joining Air Kerala, Rao was the financial executive director at Air India. He has played an important role in navigating complex financial challenges and implementing operational reforms within the airline. His leadership extended to being the head of AISATS, Air India’s ground-handling joint venture, and the president of the Hotel Corporation of India.

He also successfully spearheaded the launch of Air India’s new flights from Perth and Birmingham, showcasing his strategic acumen in Australia and the UK. With a wealth of experience, Keerthi Rao’s association with Air Kerala is set to strengthen its financial and operational efficiency significantly.

In the second appointment, James George has joined the airline team as quality manager. George comes with an experience of three decades in aircraft engineering and management. He was the former Deputy Director of Airworthiness at DGCA and brings with him strong connections with senior DGCA officials and airline professionals.

His career is marked by the successful management of numerous aviation assignments, including conducting audits and certifications for foreign operators across Europe, Asia, and the USA.

In a string of top management appointments, Shamon Pattavathukkal Sayyid Muhammad, with over 24 years of experience in commercial aviation, has joined Air Kerala as the Head of Ground Operations. He has held senior positions in SpiceJet and Air India and served as regional head across South, West, East, and Northeast India, excelling in business performance enhancement, service standards development, and operational policy implementation.

Another seasoned aviation expert, Pararthaparambil Rangaraja Mallya Kamalesh, has joined the airline. Kamlesh comes with over two decades of experience in aircraft maintenance and airworthiness management.

Air Kerala is proud to welcome these accomplished professionals, and the airline views these appointments as a stepping stone to significantly contribute to the company’s growth and success.