Akasa Air plans to employ almost 1,000 people by March 2024 and purchase ‘three-digit’ aircraft orders by year-end: CEO Vinay Dube

CEO Vinay Dube announced that Akasa Air will expand its workforce by almost 1,000 employees, bringing the total staff number to over 3,000 by March 2024. The airline, which commenced operations just over seven months ago, plans to broaden its horizons by expanding its fleet and routes. Additionally, Akasa Air aims to commence international operations by the end of this year, although they have not yet confirmed the specific foreign destinations.

Dube revealed in an interview with PTI that the airline intends to place an order for “three-digit aircraft” by the close of this year. To date, Akasa Air has ordered 72 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, and 19 of them are currently in its fleet. Akasa Air has scheduled the induction of the 20th aircraft for April, which will qualify them to fly overseas.

The carrier plans to expand its fleet by adding 9 planes in the upcoming financial year, which will increase the total size of the fleet to 28. At present, the carrier operates 110 flights on a daily basis.

During an interview in the national capital earlier this week, Dube stated that the carrier’s current employee count is over 2,000 and is expected to increase to over 3,000 employees by the end of the next fiscal year. Out of these employees, approximately 1,100 are pilots and flight attendants.

Dube confirmed that the hiring process is always conducted in advance. Although the aircraft may not be available at present, the carrier hires employees for the number of aircraft deliveries expected in the future. This approach ensures that the carrier can hire and train employees well in advance, enabling them to expand their operations smoothly.

Akasa Air

Dube commented that attracting good talent is not a challenge for the airline post-pandemic. He expressed gratitude for the airline’s ability to draw in good talent and emphasized the importance of continuing to prioritize employees. According to Dube, as long as the airline remains employee-focused, it will continue to attract good talent.

The airline expects to complete the delivery of all 72 Boeing aircraft on order by early 2027.

Dube did not provide details regarding the expected “three-digit aircraft order” but stated that they would have to wait and see.

The airline currently operates 110 flights per day and will reach 150 flights per day by the end of the summer season. Dube clarified that the growth of the airline is not for the sake of growth but a continuous effort towards expansion.

Dube also stated that the company is not focusing on achieving any specific market share targets or pursuing a particular position in the aviation industry. Instead, their primary goals are to make their customers and employees happy. To achieve this, they are prioritizing a strong cost structure, which is sustainable in the long term. These are the three pillars that the company is currently concentrating on.

Furthermore, in regard to the company’s plans for international operations, Dube explained that they have not yet determined which destinations they will serve. Therefore, it is difficult to say whether they will be flying east or west, as they are exploring both options. Dube emphasized that they are working through all of these possibilities and permutations at the moment.

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