The journey from the narrow lanes of Kanpur to the vast skies of Indian aviation sounds like a movie plot, but for Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, it is real life. Once a tempo driver and a man who understood the struggles of everyday commuters firsthand, Shravan is now set to launch Shankh Airlines, India’s newest airline venture.
On December 24, the Ministry of Civil Aviation granted No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Shankh Airlines, marking a historic milestone for Uttar Pradesh’s first homegrown airline. With this approval, Shravan Vishwakarma officially entered India’s competitive aviation sector—an achievement few could have imagined given his humble beginnings.
A Ground-Level Beginning
Born into a middle-class family in Kanpur, Shravan admits that academics never worked in his favour. Circumstances forced him to leave formal education midway, pushing him to earn a living early in life. He began with the steel (sariya) business, later expanding into cement trading, mining, and transportation. Over time, he built a large trucking network, which became the foundation of his entrepreneurial identity.
Shravan openly acknowledges that he not only travelled in tempos but also drove them when needed. This ground-level experience, he says, taught him the realities of the common man—lessons that now guide his business decisions.
The Idea That Took Flight
Three to four years ago, Shravan began thinking seriously about aviation. He believed air travel was no longer a luxury but a necessity, yet affordable and transparent options for the middle class remained limited. That belief led to the birth of Shankh Airlines.
The name “Shankh” reflects faith, familiarity, and identity. “Every home has a shankh, but playing it with purpose requires skill,” Shravan says, explaining the philosophy behind the brand.
No Dynamic Pricing, Focus on Trust
One of Shankh Airlines’ biggest promises is no dynamic pricing. Shravan claims ticket prices will remain stable regardless of demand surges, festivals, or last-minute bookings. The airline will focus on fixed fares, limited margins, and reliable service—challenging the current pricing norms of the aviation industry.
Growth Plans and Vision
Shankh Airlines will begin operations with Airbus A320 aircraft, with three planes already ready. The airline plans to expand its fleet to over 10 aircraft by 2025 and 15–25 aircraft by 2026–27, followed by international routes.
The airline’s headquarters will be in Lucknow, and its first flight will also take off from Uttar Pradesh. Cities like Kanpur, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Prayagraj are expected to be connected to major Indian metros.
Still a ‘Kanpur Ka Ladka’
Despite reaching new heights, Shravan Vishwakarma continues to describe himself as “a boy from Kanpur.” The Ganga, tempos, and years of struggle remain central to his identity. His story is not just about launching an airline—it is a powerful reminder of how courage, risk-taking, and vision can redefine destiny.
All eyes are now on Shankh Airlines’ maiden flight, as India watches a dream that began on the streets prepare to soar in the skies.
