Akasa Air, a brand of SNV Aviation Private Limited,[6] is an Indian low-cost[7] airline headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was founded by Vinay Dube and Aditya Ghosh with investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala holding a 46% stake in the airline.[8][9]
The airline began commercial operation with its first flight service from Mumbai to Ahmedabad on 7 August 2022, after receiving its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.[10] The CEO of Akasa Air, Vinay Dube, stated that Akasa's goal is to have a fleet size of approximately 72 aircraft within 5 years.[11] Dube stated that the airline will initially have services from metro cities to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, as well as operating flights to major cities across India.[12][13] The airline currently has 22 aircraft flying to 18 destinations, with an order for additional 200 aircraft.[14][15][16]
On 22 December 2021, the airline unveiled its brand identity and logo, with the tagline It's Your Sky.[25][26]
The symbol 'rising A' a part of their logo, was inspired by elements from the sky including the warmth of the rising sun, the effortless flight of a bird and the dependability of an aircraft wing.[27] The colors of their brand 'Sunrise Orange' and 'Passionate Purple' were chosen, reflecting the airline's warm, youthful, and respectful nature.[28] In early July 2022, the airline unveiled its crew uniform which was widely praised for its unique design. The uniform design incorporated a fusion of modern designs with Indian designs. It became the first airline to introduce sneakers made of recycled rubber, and the first in India overall to introduce trainers for cabin crew as well.[29]
Commencement of operations and operational difficulties
On 7 August 2022, the airline operated its first commercial flight between Mumbai and Ahmedabad with 28 flights per week. From 13 August 2022.The inaugural event was heavily covered by mainstream media and the Indian aviation community. Notable aviation enthusiasts, youtubers and bloggers from across the globe and all over the country like Josh Cahill, Sriram Hariharan, Utkarsh Thakkar, Dev Gandhi, and business magnate and the largest stakeholder of the airline, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, among many others flew on the inaugural flight.[32] Initially, the airline will operate flights with two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with plans to add an aircraft every 2 weeks.[33][34]
On 25 August 2022, Akasa Air suffered a data breach. The airline on 28 August 2022 reported to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) that user information limited to names, gender, email addresses and phone numbers may have been viewed by unauthorized individuals however no travel-related information, travel records or payment information was compromised.[35][36][37]
In September 2023, reports emerged that Akasa Air had sent legal notice to over 19 pilots, who reportedly left the airline and joined Air India Express without completing their required 6 months notice. By the end of September the number rose to over 40, the airline responded by stating that airline was forced to cancel over 700 flights in August and more in September, face operational losses and damage to its reputation. The airline was reportedly seeking that these pilots will return to the airline, complete their notice period and pay a set amount as compensation for the loss the airline had incurred. Air India Express, responded by stating that the pilots had fulfilled their obligation by paying a set bond amount to Akasa Air.[38][39][40][41][42]
The airline has received permission from the DGCA to operate international flights in December 2023, and is planning to launch international flights to by the first half of 2024.[43][15]
Destinations
As of February 2024[update], Akasa Air operates to 18 destinations across India, with plans to launch international flights by the first half of 2024.
On 22 July 2022, the airline announced its first destination and opened bookings for it as well. The airline's first commercial flight was on 7 August 2022, between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.[44] Most flights are operated through their operating bases at Bengaluru and Mumbai.[45] The airline currently flies to 17 destinations, with plans to launch operations to one more destination.[46] The airline has received permission to operate international flights in December 2023, and is currently planning to launch international flights by the first half of 2024 to Middle Eastern and South-East Asian countries, with Dammam, Doha and Riyadh as the initial destinations.[47][48][49]
On 16 November 2021, Akasa Air ordered 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft valued at nearly $9 billion in list prices at the 2021 Dubai Airshow. The order consists of 737 MAX 8 and the higher-capacity 737 MAX 200 variants.[66] Akasa Air has partnered with Griffin Global Asset Management for a sale-leaseback agreement which includes 5 of their Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.[67] It took the delivery of their first Boeing 737-8 on 16 June 2022.[68] The airline currently has a plan to add an aircraft every 2 weeks.[69] During the 2023 Paris Air Show the airline ordered another 4 aircraft and specified the breakdown of the order.[70] The airline planned to order a 3-digit aircraft order by 2023 year-end, which would take the order book past 76 aircraft and get ready for future growth plans.[71] On 18 January 2024, the airline placed an order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at Wings India 2024. The order also included Boeing 737 MAX 10 and additional Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft, thereby taking the overall order past 200 aircraft.[65] On 26 January 2024, the airline ordered more than 300 CFM LEAP-1B engines to power its upcoming 737 MAX aircraft.[72]
Services
Being a low-cost airline, Akasa Air operates an all economy configuration in their Boeing 737 MAX variants, with a total of 189 or 174 passengers in -8 variant and 197 in -200 variant.[73][74] To keep fares at a low price, the airline does not provide any in-flight meal; however, the airline operates Café Akasa, its own catering service where passengers can purchase food on board.[75] The airline has currently no In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system. The airline offers passengers the "flexi premium services" where passengers get food, seat selection, priority and lower costs for date changes and cancellations. This service is similar to other low-cost carriers in India.[citation needed]
Akasa Air has partnered with Blue Ribbon Bags (BRB), providing delayed luggage protection services. It offers its customers delayed baggage protection services. This add-on service available at a fee of ₹ 95 per passenger offers a compensation of ₹ 19,000 per bag (up to 2 bags), in case the check-in bag is delayed or lost beyond 96 hours, following the submission of complaint.[76]
