A start-up airline planning low cost flights to India has attracted unspecified new investment from an unidentified source as it seeks approval for take off.
Hans Airways wants to fly between Birmingham airport and Amritsar but needs to satisfy the aviation regulator of its financial viability.
A management shake-up described as being aligned to the new investment has seen founder and chief executive Satnam Saini being succeeded by chief operating officer Nathan Burkitt.
While Siani remains on the board, former Virgin Atlantic director Dr Barry Humphreys assume the role of interim chairman, succeeding Ruchir Verma.
Hans Airways submitted its application for a UK air operators certificate (AOC) just as the pandemic hit in March 2020, following “extensive discussions” with the Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Transport.
The company said on Tuesday it had successfully completed a new round of financing “which will enable it to progress plans to commence scheduled air services between Birmingham and Amritsar in India and satisfy existing financial obligations”.
Hans Airways added that it has satisfied the CAA’s requirements for an AOC.
“The secured new investment will take the airline to the next stage toward satisfying the CAA of its financial viability and subsequent operating licence to provide revenue air services,” the carrier added.
The company has previously said that financial support has come from the Indian community in the UK.
Humphreys, also a former head of air services policy at the CAA and non-executive director of air traffic control organisation Nats, said: “Establishing a new airline is never straight-forward and there will inevitably be hurdles along the way. Hans Airways is now well positioned to move forward.
“With growing evidence of strong demand for additional air services between the UK and India, supplemented by charter opportunities, we have every expectation of being able to launch.”
Saini added: “I am entrusting Nathan and his fine team to deliver my vision for Hans Airways. It has been a long journey and I look forward to continue supporting as board director.”