East West Airlines was the very first Indian private airline that serviced the commercial sector. It started its operations in early 1993, when the Government of India opened up the industry in its "open skies policy."
The airline was founded and run by the Wahid family who were based in Bahrain. The airline ran successfully and was a big draw among domestic flyers in India. However, after the assassination of its Managing Director, Thakiyudeen Wahid, due to Bombay underworld rivalry; the airline went into tough times and eventually folded up.
As recently as 2003, there were reports that the airline might take to the skies again in a move orchestrated by East West Chairman Nasiruddin Wahid.