East-West Airlines (India)

East-West Airlines was one of the very first Indian private airlines that serviced the commercial sector.

History

It began operations in early 1992, when the Indian Government opened up the industry to its "open skies policy" that gave rise to numerous private airlines that serviced India. The airline was founded and run by the Wahid family who were based in Mumbai. The airline was run extremely successfully and was a big draw among domestic flyers in India. Upon conducting their IPO in 1994, East West raised 55,200 crore rupees by issuing 40% of their stock. However, after the assassination of its Managing Director, Thakiyudeen Wahid, in 1995 the airline experienced tough times and eventually folded due a number of reasons including functional problems and a leadership vacuum. At its peak, East West was the premier private sector airline in India. The airline also operated fully functional offices in Bombay, New Delhi, Chennai and Trivandrum.

There was a perception that the Airline was funded by the underworld and the MDs murder was related to non-reimbursement of funds borrowed from that part of the world.

Fleet

East West had a total fleet of 11 aircraft, these included:

*8 Boeing B737 (VT-EWA,EWB,EWC,EWD,EWF,EWH,EWI,EWJ)
*3 Fokker F27 (VT-EWE,EWG,EWK)

References