New low-cost carrier Air Costa to launch operations in July

A new regional domestic airliner Air Costa today said it is in the process of getting final approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and would launch operations from July.
     
The no-frills Air Costa will initially fly to Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Vijayawada and later to some two-tier cities in the north.
     
Captain Babu, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Air Costa, said the airline would use a fleet of Embraer E Jets and the plan is to link under-served markets in India with more direct flights.
     
"We have acquired two aircraft on lease while one has been purchased. We are awaiting one final licence from DGCA and would launch operations from July-end," Captain Babu told PTI while refusing to give details about investment.
    
Chairman and managing director of Air Costa, Ramesh Lingamaneni, said regional air services have a lot of potential in the country.
      
"We are committed to further growth in the Indian market by increasing our fleet and starting new routes over medium term," Mr Lingamaneni said in a release.
       
Promoted by Vijayawada-based construction group LEPL, Air Costa will have its headquarters at Vijayawada.