The airline industry, known for its complexity and fierce competition, saw several new players take flight in 2024. From regional startups to subsidiaries of established carriers, these airlines aimed to carve out niches in domestic and international markets. However, not all ventures met expectations, and some startups faced delays or early setbacks.
Here’s an overview of notable airline launches in 2024, along with challenges faced by those aiming to take off next year.
Airlines That Took Off in 2024
1. airHaifa (Israel)
- Launch Date: September 30th
- Fleet: ATR 72-600
- Routes:
- Initial: Tel Aviv to Eilat.
- Expanded: Larnaca, Cyprus, with Athens scheduled for January 2025.
- Key Update: airHaifa shifted operations to Haifa Airport in October but is still awaiting its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
2. AirJapan (Japan)
- Launch Date: February 2024
- Parent Company: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Fleet: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners (2 aircraft, expanding to 6 by 2025).
- Routes: Tokyo Narita to Bangkok, Seoul Incheon, and Singapore.
- Vision: A low-cost international carrier with plans for further network expansion.
3. Asman Airlines (Kyrgyzstan)
- Launch Date: Q4 2024
- Fleet: Two De Havilland Dash 8s, with plans for two Airbus A320s next year.
- Challenges: Current EU ban on Kyrgyzstan-based airlines could hinder European expansion despite ongoing regulatory reforms.
4. Bees Airlines (Romania)
- Launch Date: Early 2024
- Fleet: Single Airbus A320
- Routes: To Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, and intra-regional flights between Bucharest, Suceava, and Chisinau.
- Setback: Suspended scheduled routes in December due to low demand.
5. FlyGabon (Gabon)
- Launch Date: August 2024
- Fleet: ATR 72 and Airbus A320, with plans for five more jets.
- Parent Airline: AfriJet
- Role: Gabon’s new flag carrier for domestic and regional routes.
6. KM Malta Airlines (Malta)
- Launch Date: March 31st
- Fleet: Eight Airbus A320neos inherited from Air Malta.
- Challenges: Financial losses in the first nine months of operation, echoing its predecessor’s struggles.
7. Mont Gabaon Airlines (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- Launch Date: Mid-2024
- Fleet: ATR 72, Boeing 737-500, and Boeing 767 (formerly Air Zimbabwe).
- Base: Goma International Airport
8. Toki Air (Japan)
- Launch Date: January 31st
- Fleet: ATR72-600s (2) and ATR42-600 (1).
- Routes: Three domestic destinations from its base at Niigata Airport, with plans for expansion.
Airlines with Delayed Launches
1. Air Kerala (India)
- Planned Launch: 2025
- Concept: India’s first ultra-low-cost carrier focusing on domestic and short-haul international routes.
2. Really Cool Airlines (Thailand)
- Planned Launch: 2025
- Vision: A modern, customer-centric airline targeting regional and international markets.
3. Global Airlines (United Kingdom)
- Planned Launch: 2025
- Highlight: Aiming to operate the Airbus A380 in a boutique, full-service setup for long-haul routes.
Trends and Insights
1. Low-Cost Dominance
Many new entrants, like airHaifa, AirJapan, and Toki Air, are focusing on low-cost regional or international travel, leveraging smaller, fuel-efficient aircraft to keep costs manageable.
2. Challenges of Regulation
Asman Airlines’ ambition to expand into Europe is hampered by regulatory bans, while airHaifa’s operations are constrained by delays in obtaining an AOC. Regulatory hurdles remain a significant barrier for startups.
3. Financial Struggles
KM Malta Airlines illustrates the financial difficulties of succeeding in the airline industry, with early losses mirroring the challenges faced by Air Malta.
4. Delayed Launches
Economic uncertainties and logistical challenges have pushed back the launches of several promising startups, including Air Kerala and Really Cool Airlines.
2024 has been a dynamic year for the airline industry, with several promising new carriers taking off. While some, like AirJapan, show strong potential for growth, others face hurdles ranging from regulatory challenges to financial sustainability. For delayed startups like Air Kerala and Global Airlines, 2025 offers another chance to redefine the skies.
As the industry evolves, these airlines will need to navigate fierce competition, economic pressures, and changing passenger demands to stay aloft in one of the world’s toughest markets.