We plan to operate a hybrid business model, harnessing the ‘value for money’ approach adopted by low-cost carriers (LCCs) alongside the ‘quality of service’ approach expected from traditional full-service, long-haul airlines.
The origin of Hans Airways lies in experience operating between secondary city pairs in the UK and India which established that there was a high demand for regular flights serving Indian diasporas in Europe and North America.
Since autumn 2019, extensive discussions have taken place with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Transport and the appropriate authorities in India. An application for a UK Air Operator Certificate was submitted to the CAA in March 2020 and is expected to be approved in 3Q21.
In terms of our network, the initial focus is on secondary routes between the UK and India, but other markets feature in the long-term plan. Our aircraft will be configured with two classes, featuring Economy Plus and Economy classes, with a high-quality inflight entertainment system. A frequent flyer programme is planned, known as HAPEEI, which gives passengers the normal benefits being a member of the loyalty programme, but also gives our customers the opportunity to donate to children’s educational charities.
The airline’s management team (see Board of Directors and Leadership Team) not only have extensive experience of the commercial aviation industry, but also a deep understanding of the needs of the core focus market. Financial support for the airline has come, inter alia, from the Indian community in the UK (see Investor Relations).
