Akasa Air completes one year of commercial ops

The airline operated its first commercial flight on 07 August 2022 from Mumbai to Ahmedabad.

The carrier said it has created the record of becoming one of the fastest-growing airlines in the 120-year history of global aviation by achieving a fleet size of 20 new aircraft within 12 months of commercial operations.

Akasa Air said it followed its initial fleet induction plan of adding one brand new aircraft every 15 days to achieve growth.

The delivery of its 20th aircraft on 1 August 2023, makes Akasa Air the first airline in Asia to add the 737-8-200 variant of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its rapidly expanding fleet.

Akasa Air’s order book comprises 76 jets which include 23 737-8s and 53 737-8-200 airplanes. In addition, the airline remains fully committed to placing a three-digit aircraft order by the end of 2023.

The addition of its 20th aircraft opened Akasa’s foray into international skies, it said.

“With this immense impetus to its growth plans, Akasa will get access to international flying opportunities as it prepares to commence international operations by December 2023,” the carrier said.

In its first year of commercial operations, Akasa Air has already served 4.3 million passengers and crossed the milestone of operating over 900 weekly flights with a published network of 35 unique routes across 16 destinations.

It has also carried over 25,000 tonnes of cargo across its network during this time.

In a short span of a year, Akasa Air has grown its market share from 0% to 4.9%, having registered a passenger load factor of over 84% since the start of operations, with a steadily growing record of close to 90% in the current financial year.

While developing its operations, the airline has maintained a steadfast commitment to becoming India’s most dependable airline, evidenced with industry-leading on-time performance for several consecutive months of operations in 2023.

Akasa Air said it setting up several world-class learning academies in key cities across the country.

“The Akasa air Learning Academy (AALA) offers technologically forward learning for the modern aviation world with capabilities to simultaneously train over 700 future-ready aviation professionals. The facility features India’s only door trainer for next generation aircraft for the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, thereby supporting extensive safety training for our cabin crew,” the airline said.

Recently, the Academy has also installed the B737 - 8200 Max Mid Exit Door to ensure that the cabin crew is equipped to deal with emergencies in its newly inducted aircraft, from the get-go.

Akasa Air has over 3,000 employees and has created indirect jobs within the aviation ecosystem.

It expects to reach an employee strength of over 3500 by March 2024, to support its expansion plans.

“Gender parity has been one of the key aspects of the company’s growth strategy and its continued efforts have resulted in a third of its Executive Committee and almost 40% of the company’s workforce already comprising of women,” the company said.

Regarding sustainability, the airline said it has invested in making environmentally progressive choices – like fuel-efficient new 737 MAX airplane that lower environmental impact, recycled materials used in crew uniforms and shoes, as well as eco-friendly packaging in the airline’s in-flight meal service.

Commenting on the milestone, Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air, said, “As we have grown and delivered to our plans, Akasa Air has become the preferred carrier for an increasing number of travellers across the country. The Akasa story is a testament of India’s ongoing economic transformation and that of the country’s rapidly progressing civil aviation landscapes."

Remembering Akasa Air cofounder Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, who passed away a week after the launch of the airline, Dube said, “Above all, I want to take this opportunity to thank the late and great Mr. Jhunjhunwala, who seeded the ability that enables us to deliver on our ambitious roadmap. We cannot thank him enough for being an early believer and for putting his faith in us to build a world-class airline.”

He also thanked aviation watchdog DGCA for its regulatory guidance and the Ministry of Civil Aviation for propelling the growth of the aviation industry.