Akasa Air to expand workforce for international operations

In plans to expand its operations overseas, Akasa Air prepares to hire 800 new employees by the end of the year 2023. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Vinay Dube, CEO, Akasa Air, shared the carrier’s expansion plans and their ongoing preparations to facilitate overseas operations. 

Utilising the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the airline intends to serve destinations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh, with a single-class configuration. 

Fortunately, the airline is  soon going to have its 20th   aircraft which is a specific requirement imposed by the government. According to regulations, an airline must possess a fleet consisting of at least 20 aircraft. As of now, Akasa operates 19 Boeing 737 MAX planes, but it anticipates the delivery of its 20th aircraft in the near future. 

Despite being less than a year old, Akasa has made notable advancements in expanding its network and fleet. Venturing into international flights appears to be a logical progression for the airline. Part of the airline’s success can be attributed to the opportunity created by the suspension of Go First’s operations. Various airlines have responded to the sudden surge in demand by increasing frequencies on specific routes. Akasa has reportedly shown interest in acquiring some of the slots that Go First is expected to relinquish, further contributing to its market presence.

Additionally, with the increasing competition in the aviation industry, Akasa’s focus is on more measures towards retention of its pilots. As per  media reports, the airline has implemented a substantial salary increase of up to 40 per cent for its pilots, revising its fixed pay hours from 45 down to 40.