Akasa Air reaffirms employee-centric approach amid pilot concerns

Akasa Air has reiterated its commitment to being an employee-centric organisation while addressing concerns raised by some pilots regarding training and safety. The airline, which has been in operation for over two-and-a-half years, maintains that safety remains its top priority.

This comes in the wake of allegations from a section of its pilots, who sought an independent investigation into the airline’s management practices, training methods, and safety standards.

With a fleet of 26 aircraft, Akasa Air employs about 4,300 individuals, including around 800 pilots. The airline emphasises continuous improvement in its safety processes, procedures and training.

Recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued at least two show-cause notices to Akasa Air over specific lapses. The airline, however, has refuted claims of safety and training shortcomings, calling the allegations baseless.

Akasa Air asserts that its workforce is highly satisfied, with strong feedback from employees, especially pilots. The company reports an attrition rate of less than one per cent among pilots on an annualised basis, describing it as a testament to its employee-focused policies.

The airline is not currently hiring additional pilots, citing a sufficient number of personnel to support its foreseeable expansion. Data analytics and regular employee surveys are deployed to monitor and improve satisfaction levels further.

Since October 2023, Akasa Air has onboarded 324 new pilots, strengthening its talent pool. The airline serves 27 destinations, including five international cities, and held a 4.5 per cent domestic market share as of October.

Akasa Air’s leadership underscores the importance of actively seeking and acting on employee feedback to maintain a positive workplace culture. Despite the recent pilot concerns, the airline remains confident in its ability to uphold safety and employee satisfaction as it continues to grow.