Akasa Air is in talks with Boeing regarding aircraft deliveries and plans to add more planes to its fleet in the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2025, according to the airline’s CEO Vinay Dube. The airline, which began operations in August 2022, currently operates 26 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and has placed orders for an additional 200 aircraft.

Dube expressed confidence about the airline’s performance in 2024 and its outlook for 2025 in an interview with PTI. He highlighted the company’s commitment to providing excellent service, noting that passengers consider Akasa Air to be a “kind and gentle airline” that prioritizes empathy. Dube said the airline continues to be dedicated to ensuring employee well-being and customer satisfaction.

Aircraft orders and financial situation

This year, Akasa Air added four aircraft to its fleet. Responding to concerns raised by some pilots regarding training and safety, the airline denied the allegations as baseless. Dube also clarified that there were no supply chain issues affecting aircraft deliveries and affirmed Akasa’s strong partnership with Boeing.

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Akasa Air has made crucial investments in its fleet. In January 2023, the airline placed an order for 150 Boeing aircraft, including 737 MAX 10 and 737 MAX 8-200 jets. In 2021, 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft were ordered and later in 2023, an additional order for four 737 MAX 8 aircraft was placed.

Dubé also provided a financial update, highlighting the airline’s strong performance, saying it is ahead of schedule. “We are financially secure and we will remain so,” he added, dismissing recent reports of possible fundraising efforts.

Air Akasa’s strategic plans

Amid concerns over the domination of Indigo and the air India Group, which together holds more than 91 percent of domestic shares according to October data, Dube said Akasa Air continues to remain focused on what it can control. The airline currently holds 4.5 per walk share and will prioritize providing superior customer service and fostering a culture of kindness and empathy among its staff.

Dube said: “We cannot waste time worrying about things that are beyond our control. Our goal is to serve our customers and maintain operational excellence.

(With inputs from PTI)