Akasa AIR: Celebrating a Milestone Achievement with an All-Women Pilot Crew and Rapid Fleet Expansion
In a remarkable achievement for the aviation industry, Akasa AIR, India’s youngest and most dynamic commercial AIRline, has recently celebrated the significant milestone of adding its 25th Boeing 737 Max AIRcraft to its growing fleet. This noteworthy achievement is further distinguished by the fact that the delivery flight was commanded by an all-women pilot crew, showcasing a transformative shift in the traditionally male-dominated field of aviation. Founded in 2021, Akasa AIR has quickly emerged as a key player in Indian aviation, marked by its rapid expansion and ambitious future plans.
Akasa AIR: Rapid Growth and Strategic Fleet Expansion
Akasa AIR, officially known as SNV Aviation Private Limited, is a low-cost AIRline headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Established by a prominent team consisting of Vinay Dube, Aditya Ghosh, and backed by the significant investment of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, the AIRline began its commercial operations on August 7, 2022. The AIRline’s initial operations started with its inaugural flight between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which was a major step towards its goal of becoming a prominent player in the Indian aviation market.
From the beginning, Akasa AIR set an ambitious goal of expanding its fleet to 72 AIRcraft within five years. This vision has been realized at an impressive pace, with the AIRline having already incorporated 25 Boeing 737 Max AIRcraft into its fleet as of September 2024. The AIRline's strategy includes a rigorous plan to add one AIRcraft to its fleet every two weeks, demonstrating its commitment to rapid growth and operational efficiency. Akasa AIR's fleet expansion is one of the fastest globally, with the AIRline becoming the quickest to induct 20 AIRcraft within just 17 months of its operations.
Milestone Achievement: Delivery of the 25th Boeing 737 Max AIRcraft
On September 12, 2024, Akasa AIR celebrated a significant milestone with the delivery of its 25th Boeing 737 Max AIRcraft, bearing the registration number VT-YBB. The AIRcraft was delivered to the AIRline in Seattle on September 9, 2024. This particular delivery flight was notable for being commanded by an all-women pilot crew, including Captain Bhavna Gandhi and Captain Sanaya Chothia, both of whom have made substantial contributions to the field of aviation.
The delivery journey of the AIRcraft was an international endeavor, including a stopover in Keflavik, Iceland, before arriving at the Rajiv Gandhi International AIRport in Hyderabad, India. This journey not only highlights Akasa AIR’s commitment to global standards but also reflects the AIRline’s dedication to promoting gender diversity and empowerment within the aviation industry.
Empowering Women in Aviation
The successful delivery flight commanded by Captain Bhavna Gandhi and Captain Sanaya Chothia underscores a significant shift in the aviation industry towards greater inclusion of women in prominent roles. Captain Bhavna Gandhi, in particular, has become a symbol of inspiration for many aspiring female Pilots. Her career is a testament to the growing recognition of women’s capabilities in aviation, breaking through traditional gender barriers and setting new standards of excellence.
The increasing presence of women in aviation roles is part of a broader movement that celebrates their achievements and contributions. By showcasing successful women pilots and providing platforms for their recognition, the aviation industry is actively working to inspire and mentor the next generation of female aviators. This focus on gender diversity not only enriches the field but also brings fresh perspectives and innovations to aviation.
Akasa AIR’s Vision and Future Plans
Akasa AIR’s vision extends beyond domestic operations. In December 2023, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the AIRline permission to operate international flights, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory. The AIRline announced plans to commence its international operations on March 28, 2024, with the launch of four weekly flights between Mumbai and Doha. This expansion will be followed by additional routes to Dammam and Riyadh, further establishing Akasa AIR as a key player in the global aviation market.
The AIRline’s expansion plans are supported by its significant fleet orders. Initially, Akasa AIR placed an order for 72 Boeing 737 Max AIRcraft in 2021. This was followed by an order for four additional Boeing 737 Max 8 AIRcraft in June 2023. In January 2024, the AIRline placed another landmark order for 150 Boeing 737 Max AIRcraft, making Akasa AIR the first Indian AIRline to reach an order book of 226 AIRcraft within 17 months of commencing operations. This ambitious plan reflects the AIRline’s commitment to maintaining a state-of-the-art fleet and meeting growing market demands.
Challenges and Resilience
Despite its impressive growth, Akasa AIR has faced several challenges. One notable incident was a data breach reported in August 2022, which involved unauthorized access to certain user information. However, the AIRline swiftly addressed the issue, ensuring that sensitive travel-related and payment information remained secure.
In addition, the AIRline encountered operational difficulties related to pilot departures. By September 2023, Akasa AIR had sent legal notices to over 40 pilots who had left the AIRline to join AIR India Express without completing their required notice period. This situation led to the cancellation of over 700 flights in August and September, impacting the AIRline’s operations and reputation. Nevertheless, Akasa AIR has shown resilience in addressing these issues and continuing its growth trajectory.
Akasa AIR’s journey from its inception to becoming one of India’s fastest-growing AIRlines is a remarkable achievement. The addition of the 25th Boeing 737 Max AIRcraft, delivered by an all-women crew, highlights the AIRline’s commitment to diversity, excellence, and rapid growth. With ambitious plans for further expansion and a growing fleet, Akasa AIR is poised to make a significant impact on the aviation industry, both in India and globally.
The achievements of Akasa AIR, particularly its emphasis on empowering women and expanding its fleet at an unprecedented pace, represent a new era for the aviation industry.
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Shrishty Sharma
Manager HR, Author
Asiatic International Corp
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