Bengaluru/New Delhi: Air Pegasus today 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 that connecting to the country's IT capital, the newly launched flights will boost the economies of these two towns by simplifying the travel options for both in-bound and out-bound passengers.
"We aim to be the truly regional airline brand with more connectivity in existing regions which are undeserved and 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.
Bangalore-based Air Pegasus, which recently acquired flying permit from aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation, is the third new airline to receive it from the DGCA, after AirAsia India and Vistara, in last one year.
It has commenced its flight services with two 66-seater ATRs and plans to add one more such plane shortly.
Air Pegasus also plans to scale up services gradually tot Kochi, Chennai, Tuticorin, Belgaum and Rajahmundry, Pondicherry, Madurai.
