Vinay DUBBE, the chief of Akasa Air, has stated that the airline is in continuous talks with Boeing regarding aircraft deliveries. It expects to be able to add a few planes to its current fleet by the end of the current fiscal year in March 2025. The airline, which began flying in August 2022 has a fleet consisting of 26 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 200 are on order.
In a PTI interview recently, Dube said 2024 had been a great year for the company and that it will continue to improve in 2025.
“I think that consumers view Akasa, based on the service excellence, as a more kind and gentle airline, a little more empathetic. We will continue treating our travellers with kindness and gentleness,” he said, adding that the airline is committed to making sure its employees are treated with respect and love.
Earlier this week, some pilots raised concerns about alleged safety and training issues. The airline rejected these as unfounded and untrue. The carrier has added 4 planes to its fleet this year.
Dube, when asked if there were any concerns about aircraft deliveries at Akasa air, said that the airline had a great relationship Boeing.
“We are in constant discussions with Boeing about aircraft deliveries.”
The airline’s CEO and Founder said that they continue to work together on expectations regarding when and how aircraft will be delivered.
Dube responded that “we can…but we don’t give guidance on how much”.
Akasa Air placed an order in January for 150 Boeing jets, which included 737 Max 10 and 737 Max 8-200 aircraft. Akasa ordered 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2021. In June 2023, it ordered 4 Boeing 737 MAX 8.
Dube has said that he will not comment on reports that the airline wants to raise money. The airline released photos of its first Max aircraft from the Boeing production plant in Portland, USA as it prepares for delivery.
“Financially speaking, we are well ahead of our plans. It is encouraging to see that the company is performing better than expected and anticipated in our plan. “We are a well-capitalised airline and will continue to remain a well-capitalised airline,” he said. Akasa Air CEO said the airline could not afford to be concerned about things they do not control.
“It is a complete waste of time to worry about things over which you have no control.” We have control of how we can serve our customers. We have control of the liability that the airline has. And we have the ability to train our employees in kindness and empathy. He noted that …,” was the issue we were most concerned about.
IndiGo, Air India and their combined group had more than 91% of the domestic market share in October. Akasa Airlines’ domestic market share was 4.5 per cent.
