"Long-haul hybrid" carrier Hans Airways said in Tuesday (16 August) it was gearing up to launch a four-times-weekly Birmingham-Amritsar service after taking delivery earlier this month of its first Airbus A330-200.
Hans has been in talks with the CAA since 2020 with a view to obtaining an air operator’s licence, and said last month it was preparing to operate a route-proving flight.
The airline’s cause has been boosted this week by the arrival of Baroness Usha Prashar CBE who has, since 1970, served as director or chair of a wide variety of public and private sector organisations, as well as advocacy groups.
Her CV includes non-executive directorships with Channel 4, ITV and Nationwide. She is also a former chair of the National Literacy Trust and trustee of the BBC World Service Trust. Latterly, Baroness Prasher has served as president of the Royal Commonwealth Society. She was also deputy chair of the British Council.
She also has strong ties with the community organisations and other groups close to the UK’s Indian diaspora. These include a stint as honorary president of the UK Community Foundations. She is currently chair of the UK Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Baroness Prashar said she felt "privileged" to be part of the "community airline" at the start of its journey. "I am very impressed with its vision and planning to date and hope to make a meaningful contribution to its success," she added.
Hans chief executive Satnam Saini said Baroness Prashar would bring to the role "considerable experience in the private sector and in public affairs", a proven track record supporting philanthropic causes, and vocal advocacy on education and society issues.
"Baroness Prashar shares a keen interest in aviation and connecting people," said Saini. "The business model Hans Airways is following as a true ‘community airline’ was a determining factor in her decision to accept our invitation to join our Board. We are delighted she shares our vision and we are very much looking forward to her valuable contribution."
