Start-up carrier Hans Airways has provided an update to media, following recent speculation over the airline’s launch plans.
The UK start-up had originally planned to launch flights to secondary Indian cities back in 2021, but this was delayed, and when Business Traveller last reported on the carrier in September last year it had just completed route proving and familiarisation flights, and was awaiting the granting of its UK Air Operator’s Certificate.
UK-India carrier Hans Airways performs proving and familiarisation flights
Recent reports pointed to fresh delays as the firm sought further investment, and in a statement released this week the carrier said:
“Fulfilling the rightly stringent financial criteria required by the UK CAA to commence scheduled operations continues to hinder our launch plans.
“This is despite satisfying all technical (AOC) aspects of long-haul airline operations and maintaining a solvent start up business since our inception in 2019.
“In light of this we are pursuing a number of options. This includes the relinquishing of our first aircraft and stepped up dialogue with prospective new investors and lessors. We maintain close and cordial dialogue with the CAA.
“We are most grateful to our Board, our dedicated team and our partners for their unwavering patience and support.”
Hans Airways is one of a raft of new airlines which have been aiming to take to the skies since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, with mixed success. For our recent round-up of new and forthcoming start-up airlines, see:
