From Tempo Driver To Airline Founder: The Ambitious Journey Of Shankh Air's Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma
India's aviation industry may soon welcome another new entrant, but the story behind it is what makes it remarkable. Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, a high-school dropout who once drove a tempo between Kanpur and Unnao for around ₹200 a day, is now preparing to launch an airline after building a successful transport business.
A Journey Through Multiple Businesses
Vishwakarma's entrepreneurial journey did not follow a conventional path. After working as a tempo driver, he moved into cement trading, steel rebaring, and sand mining before eventually returning to the transportation sector—this time as a fleet owner rather than a driver.
The Shankh Air Vision
At the age of 35, Vishwakarma has set his sights on aviation. His company, Shankh Air, plans to begin operations with three Airbus A320 aircraft on wet lease arrangements, followed by two Airbus A321 aircraft.
According to executives associated with the project, preparations for the airline have been underway for nearly two years.
Building The Foundation Before Takeoff
Shankh Air announced in March 2024 that Noida International Airport would serve as its primary hub. The company continued laying the groundwork by opening a counter at Lucknow Airport in May 2024.
By February 2025, the airline's ground operations team had begun coordinating with airport authorities and preparing operational systems including:
- Passenger check-in services
- Baggage handling operations
- Ramp management services
- Airport coordination activities
Not The Only Aspiring Airline
Shankh Air is part of a broader wave of proposed regional and low-cost airline ventures. Other names frequently mentioned include Al Hind Air, Air Kerala, Spirit Air, and Flyexpress.
Many of these projects have experienced delays and shifting launch timelines, highlighting the challenges involved in entering India's highly competitive aviation market.
A Growing Opportunity
The Indian government has continued to promote regional aviation development, creating opportunities for new carriers seeking to serve underserved routes and emerging airports. This policy environment has encouraged entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in the sector despite the operational and financial challenges.
