In a recent interview with CNBC-TV18, Akasa Air’s CEO, Vinay Dube, laid out the airline’s ambitious expansion plans, indicating a major milestone set for January 2024. Dube hinted at an impending three-digit aircraft order, signaling a substantial boost to the airline’s fleet. This move aligns with Akasa Air’s commitment to meeting the increasing demand for air travel and solidifying its presence in the aviation industry.
To address immediate needs, Akasa Air is set to add two aircraft to its fleet by the close of 2023. Dube expressed the airline’s determination to achieve its targets of 22 aircraft by the end of 2023, 25 by March 2024, and an impressive 76 by mid-2027. These expansion efforts underscore Akasa Air’s strategic vision and commitment to becoming a major player in the global aviation landscape.
Looking beyond domestic operations, Akasa Air is eagerly awaiting authorization from the governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait to initiate operations to these key Middle Eastern destinations. Dube estimated that the commencement of international operations would likely take an additional 3-4 months, emphasizing the meticulous planning involved in the airline’s expansion strategy.
As part of its international foray, Akasa Air has applied for flight permissions to major Middle Eastern cities, including Doha, Qatar, Riyadh, and Jeddah. The airline is also eyeing potential routes to Southeast Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
In the past six months, Akasa Air has augmented its pilot roster, recruiting more than 150 pilots, now boasting a total team of over 500.
Akasa Air’s CEO remains optimistic about the future, painting a picture of a dynamic airline poised for remarkable growth and international prominence.
