Air Odisha was an Indian regional airline headquartered in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Founded in 2011, it aimed to enhance air connectivity in India's under-served regions. The airline primarily operated regional flights with small aircraft, focusing on improving accessibility to remote areas. However, due to operational and financial challenges, Air Odisha ceased operations in 2019.
Services
- Regional Connectivity : Air Odisha specialized in connecting small towns and remote regions to larger cities, making air travel more accessible.
- In-Flight Snacks : Passengers were provided with complimentary snacks and beverages during their short regional flights.
- On-Time Performance : The airline aimed to maintain a high on-time performance to ensure reliability for travelers in remote areas.
- Affordable Fares : Air Odisha offered competitive pricing to make air travel affordable for residents of smaller towns and rural areas.
- Personalized Service : With smaller aircraft, the airline was able to provide more personalized service to its passengers, enhancing their travel experience.
Expriences
- Sukant Panigrahy : Bollywood art director from Odisha, likely used Air Odisha for regional film-related travels.
- Krishna Beura : Bollywood playback singer from Odisha, possibly used the airline for concerts and events within the state.
- Mira Nair : Acclaimed filmmaker, might have flown with Air Odisha during visits to her home state.
Interesting Facts
- First in Odisha : Air Odisha was the first airline based in the state of Odisha, pioneering regional connectivity.
- UDAN Scheme : It was part of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme to boost regional air connectivity in India.
- Fleet : Operated a fleet of small aircraft, primarily Cessna 208 Caravan.
- Regional Focus : Focused primarily on connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- Operational Challenges : Faced numerous operational and financial hurdles leading to its eventual shutdown.
Frequent Flyers
- Naveen Patnaik : The Chief Minister of Odisha, known for his dedication to the state, likely used Air Odisha for official travel within Odisha.
- Biju Patnaik : The former Chief Minister and an aviation enthusiast, often associated with regional flights and initiatives in Odisha
- Ritesh Agarwal : The founder of OYO Rooms, hailing from Odisha, might have used Air Odisha for travel related to his business ventures.
- Sudarshan Patnaik : The renowned sand artist from Odisha, traveling for regional cultural events.
- Dilip Tirkey : Former Indian hockey player and ex-captain of the national team, representing Odisha in various capacities .
Myths
- Full-Service Airline : It was often mistakenly considered a full-service airline, but it was a regional, low-cost carrier.
- National Carrier : Some believed it operated nationwide extensively, but its primary focus was regional connectivity.
Offbeat Destinations
- Jharsuguda : Industrial city known for its coal mines and thermal power plants.
- Sambalpur : Famous for its historic temples and Hirakud Dam.
- Koraput : Known for its scenic beauty and tribal culture.
- Jeypore : Home to beautiful landscapes and waterfalls.
- Angul : Industrial town with significant coal reserves.
- Rourkela : Steel city with a blend of industrial and natural attractions.
- Dhenkanal : Known for its rich cultural heritage and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Baripada : Gateway to Similipal National Park.
- Sundergarh : Rich in minerals and home to diverse flora and fauna.
- Berhampur : Known for its silk sarees and temples.
Useful Resources
Awards
- UDAN Scheme Participation : Air Odisha was part of the UDAN scheme, which itself is an acknowledgment of the airline's role in regional connectivity.
- Safety and Performance : Awards for maintaining safety standards and on-time performance are common for regional airlines, though specific awards for Air Odisha are not documented.