Airline backed by Chiranjeevi's son gets flying licence

Hyderabad-based Turbo Megha Airways on Tuesday became the fourth company to receive flying licence from aviation regulator DGCA in the past two years to launch a regional airline.

The company, which is partially owned by Tollywood actor Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan, would operate the regional airline under the brand name Trujet.

Director General of Civil Aviation M Sathiyavathi handed over the Air Operator Permit to Turbo Megha managing director V Umesh in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Gajapathi Raju at a function.

The programme was also attended by Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nayan Choubey and others senior Ministry officials.

"We welcome the new airline. It plans to operate some shuttle services during the forthcoming Maha Pushkarna at Godavari before the commencement of actual operations," Raju said.

Umesh said that the new carrier has already acquired two 72-seater ATR-72 planes and would induct three more by January next year.

Trujet would operate regional air services to Rajhmundry, Bengaluru and Chennai from its base Hyderabad, he said, adding that the company has seen an initial investment of $20 million.