Gurugram-based Zooom Airlines (earlier spelled as Zoom) Air, which has not flown since the emergence of the pandemic in 2020 may soon take to skies again.

A brand under Zexus Air Services, the airline on Friday (September 15) announced the renewal of its air operator certificate by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA). The AOC is a crucial and mandatory document for an air carrier to launch its air services.

"Zooom Airlines has received the official clearance for commercial passenger operations in India. It has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the DGCA," the airline said.

Zoom Airlines (earlier name) commenced operations on domestic routes in February 2017. However, after a year of operations in July 2018, the DGCA suspended it's flying permit citing safety concerns but renewed the license after five months in December.

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It however could restart services only in October 2019 and suspended all operations in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline then reportedly went into insolvency proceedings in March 2022.

Zooom Airlines in its latest statement today did not mention any details about the insolvency proceedings or its outcome and whether the airline will be operated by the same promoter.

The renewal of the AOC of Zooom Airlines comes at a time when India's aviation market is heading towards a sort of duopoly with IndiGo controlling 63 percent market share and Tata Group consolidating all its airline business under one umbrella.

While Vistara, in which Tata Group holds a 51 percent stake, along with Singapore Airlines which holds the remaining 49 percent, with Air India, the group's domestic subsidiary AIX Connect ( earlier AirAsia India) is getting merged with Air India's international budget arm Air India Express.

Moreover, Zooom Airlines' re-entry also comes amid budget carrier Go First opting for voluntary insolvency proceedings after shutting operations in early May, and another carrier SpiceJet facing multiple headwinds.

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With this, Zooom Airlines is now officially cleared to commence commercial passenger operations in India, the airline stated in the statement. "With our AOC in hand, we are looking forward to providing passengers with a top-notch travel experience," said Zooom Atul Gambhir, CEO at Zooom Air.

He also said the airline wishes to cater to the growing number of domestic travellers who take frequent flights.

"Indian domestic aviation is growing, and customers are looking for the most cost-effective, safe, and convenient solutions. We are confident in our ability to carve out a niche," he added.

According to him, the airline has ambitious plans for expansion and introducing new routes, ensuring that travelers have more options and seamless connectivity.

First Published:Sept 15, 2023 11:43 PM IST