By Kavita Mistry 
Star Air, the aviation arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), has completed the first tranche of its Series B funding round, securing INR 150 crore from a consortium of investors including Micro Labs Ltd, Deepak Agarwal of Bikaji Foods and several others. The investment marks the airline’s first external fundraise and represents a pivotal step in its expansion strategy as it plans to deploy INR 350 crore in total under the Series B programme.
The funds will support the airline’s plans to expand its fleet, widen its route network and strengthen its Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) operations. A portion of the capital will also be directed towards enhancing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities as Star Air positions itself for sustained growth in the regional aviation landscape.
Commenting on the development, Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director, Sanjay Ghodawat Group, said, “This fundraise brings us closer to our vision of building a comprehensive aviation platform spanning Airline operations, NSOP services, MRO facilities, Cargo and Aviation Training. Our immediate goal is to connect more cities and communities across India with swift, secure, comfortable, and affordable air travel. At Star Air, we’re building not just an airline, but a trusted travel experience – one that reflects SGG’s passion for excellence and commitment to connecting real India.”
India’s aviation sector continues to record robust demand driven by expanding regional routes and rising passenger numbers. Within this environment, Star Air has built a foundation of operational discipline and remains one of only two profitable airlines in the country. The additional capital planned for FY26–27 will contribute to sizeable capex investments as the airline moves to reinforce its market position and support its long-term fleet plan.
Captain Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO, Star Air, added, “This fundraise marks a major step toward strengthening Star Air’s operational backbone. It will enable us to accelerate fleet expansion, enhance route efficiency, and further invest in NSOP and MRO capabilities. As we progress toward our 50-aircraft goal by 2030, our focus remains on maintaining operational excellence, safety and delivering a seamless experience for our customers.”
Founded in 2019, Star Air operates a fleet comprising Embraer E145 and E175 aircraft alongside four Airbus helicopters. The airline currently serves 31 destinations across India and has been recognised for its regional operations, including the Best Domestic Airline (RCS) honour at Wings India 2022. The current fundraise is expected to support the next phase of its growth as regional aviation continues to evolve.
