By Staff Correspondent
Star Air, the aviation arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), has achieved a remarkable milestone in India’s aviation industry by recording a 100% load factor on its inaugural flights connecting Hyderabad to Jharsuguda and vice versa. This exceptional achievement not only underscores the airline’s growing presence in the regional aviation sector but also highlights the strong demand for enhanced air connectivity in underserved regions of the country. The overwhelming response from passengers, particularly in Odisha, reflects the critical role Star Air plays in bridging key destinations and fostering regional development.
The launch of the Hyderabad-Jharsuguda route is a significant step in Star Air’s commitment to the Government of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the UDAN initiative. This scheme is designed to improve connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, making air travel more accessible and affordable for the Indian populace. Jharsuguda, often referred to as the ‘Powerhouse of Odisha,’ holds immense strategic importance due to its industrial and economic potential. By introducing this route, Star Air has not only met the aspirations of the people of Odisha but also contributed to the region’s economic growth by facilitating better trade, tourism, and cultural exchange opportunities.
The enthusiasm surrounding the inaugural flights was echoed by Star Air’s CEO, Capt. Simran Singh Tiwana, who expressed his gratitude for the trust passengers have placed in the airline. He emphasized that achieving a 100% load factor on the first flights is a testament to the growing demand for reliable and efficient air connectivity in the region. Capt. Tiwana also reaffirmed Star Air’s commitment to strengthening Jharsuguda’s connectivity with the rest of the country, ensuring seamless travel options for passengers in this key region.
Building on the success of this milestone, Star Air has announced the launch of two additional routes from Jharsuguda to Raipur and Lucknow, scheduled to commence on February 1, 2025. These new routes are expected to further enhance the connectivity of Odisha with other parts of India, opening up new avenues for regional development. By expanding its network, Star Air continues to demonstrate its dedication to improving last-mile connectivity, a critical factor in the socio-economic growth of tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Star Air’s ambitious expansion plans further underscore its commitment to “Connecting Real India.” The airline has revealed its intention to grow its fleet to 25 aircraft over the next three years, a significant leap from its current fleet of nine aircraft, which includes four Embraer E175s and five Embraer E145s. This fleet expansion will enable the airline to reach more underserved regions, providing quality air travel options to millions of Indians. Since commencing operations in 2019, Star Air has built a reputation for offering secure, swift, spacious, sincere, and sustainable air services, earning the trust of over 1.2 million passengers across 21 destinations in India.
Star Air’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. The airline was awarded the title of Best Domestic Airline (RCS) by Wings India in 2022, a recognition of its commitment to excellence and its pivotal role in India’s aviation sector. As the airline continues to expand its operations and fleet, it remains steadfast in its mission to make air travel accessible and convenient for all, particularly in regions that have historically been underserved by the aviation industry.
Star Air’s recent milestone of achieving a 100% load factor on its inaugural Hyderabad-Jharsuguda flights is a reflection of the airline’s growing impact on India’s regional aviation landscape. By connecting underserved regions, fostering economic opportunities, and expanding its fleet, Star Air is not only fulfilling its vision of “Connecting Real India” but also playing a vital role in the nation’s progress. The airline’s continued efforts to enhance connectivity and accessibility are sure to make a lasting contribution to India’s socio-economic development, bridging the gap between its urban centers and emerging regional hubs.
