Air Pegasus on Sunday commenced its commercial operations with flight services to Hubballi and Thiruvananthapuram from its base in Bengaluru, becoming the second regional air operator after Air Costa.
Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju launched the operations of the airline, promoted by ground-handling services provider Decor Aviation.
“The new routes with a regional focus will help local business and boost tourism, opening up potentials in both business and leisure travel,” said Raju, who was on board the inaugural flight of the newly-launched airline. The company plans to have five ATR aircraft in South India by December, and would increase it to 20, Air Pegasus Managing Director Shyson Thomas told reporters.
He said connecting to the country’s IT capital, the newly-launched flights would boost the economies of these two towns by simplifying travel options for both inbound and outbound passengers. “We aim to be a truly regional airline brand. With more connectivity in existing regions which are undeserved, (we want) to connect non-connected sectors,” he said.
The regional carrier plans to invest Rs 100 crore through a mix of internal resources and debt in expansion.