Doubts cast over launch of Hans Airways

A question mark has emerged over the planned launch of low cost long-haul carrier Hans Airways.

The UK start-up was founded before the pandemic and an application for an air operators’ certificate was made to the Civil Aviation Authority in March 2020 for the operation of budget flights to India.   

The airline had indicated an ambition to serve secondary routes between the UK and India by the end of 2021. But that date has continued to slip despite an Airbus A330 proving flight being operated from Birmingham airport last September. 

Hans Airways said in a statement today (Monday): “Fulfilling the rightly stringent financial criteria required by the UK CAA to commence scheduled operations continues to hinder our launch plans.

“This is despite satisfying all technical (AOC) aspects of long-haul airline operations and maintaining a solvent start up business since our inception in 2019.”

Hans Airways added: “In light of this we are pursuing a number of options.

“This includes the relinquishing of our first aircraft and stepped up dialogue with prospective new investors and lessors.  

“We maintain close and cordial dialogue with the CAA.

“We are most grateful to our board, our dedicated team and our partners for their unwavering patience and support.”