Hyderabad: Turbo Megha Airways Private Limited, owned by actor Ram Charan Teja, is likely to start operations from April, covering primarily Andhra and Telangana regions. The airline has planned to operate a 72-seater ATR aircraft primarily aimed at pilgrims and economy passengers travelling to several destinations including Tirupati and Vijayawada.

Turbo Aviation Corporation, a subsidiary, is likely to start non-scheduled operations of nine-seater jets from Vijayawada targeting the executive class. Turbo Megha Airways managing director Vankayalapati Umesh said, “We are planning to start if all permissions from the Director General of Civil Aviation are obtained by the first week of April. Turbo Megha Airways is planning flights to Tirupati, Hyderabad, Aurangabad, Vijayawada and Rajahmundry. We are operating 72-seater ATR  aircraft aimed at the middle class and pilgrims.”

He added, “The nine-seater planes are not for schedule operations. We are getting them for non-scheduled operations from Vijayawada.” Turbo Megha Airways Private Limited was incorporated on March 14, 2013 with Ram Charan and Mr Umesh as promoters. Turbo Aviation is another company promoted by Mr Umesh and D. Radha Rani.

When contacted, sources close to Ram Charan said, “There is no information with us on how Ram Charan will take part in promoting the brand. However, as a director of the company he is taking part in all required official meetings and he is there whenever participation is necessary.” Meanwhile, the watch hours at which flights can operate at Vijayawada airport need to be increased.

At present Vijayawada airport operates from 6.45 am to 1.30 pm and 4.00 pm to 9.30 pm. Watch hours can be increased only by increasing staff and infrastructure. Parking space for the aircraft also needs to be increased. Vijayawada airport director M. Raja Kishore said, “There was an expression of interest from Turbo Aviation for operating nine-seater aircraft. This is perhaps for groups of seven to eight business class passengers. Permission for Turbo Megha Airways is also in process with the DGCA.”