- Akasa Air celebrates its third anniversary with over 19 million passengers and a growing fleet of 30 aircraft.
- New institutional funding and strong FY25 financials fuel its next phase of international expansion.
- Innovations in service, SME platforms, and a people-first culture position Akasa as a global aviation contender.
Akasa Air has celebrated its third anniversary with significant achievements, exceeding 19 million cumulative passengers, adding its 30th aircraft, and securing new funding from an institutional investor to support its next phase of global expansion.
Launched in August 2022, the airline has quickly distinguished itself in Indian aviation, combining disciplined growth with a digital-first approach and a strong emphasis on long-term profitability. In just three years, Akasa has expanded to 28 destinations, including five international cities, operated over 100,000 flights, and built a workforce of 4,700 employees.
“We are not just growing quickly; we are growing wisely,” said Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO. “Our long-term vision is clear: Akasa is being built for generations to come, to be among the world’s top 30 carriers by the end of the decade.”
Momentum Across Metrics
In FY25, Akasa gained more than 8 million new passengers, maintained load factors above 87%, and operated over 3,800 international departures. Its cargo division handled 131,000 tonnes, and partnerships with SMEs and corporate travellers surpassed 1,150, establishing the airline as a rising player in the business travel segment.
Financially, Akasa mirrored its operational success with a 49% year-on-year revenue increase, an expansion of EBITDAR margins by over 50%, and a 7% reduction in non-fuel CASK, highlighting strong cost management. Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 48%, with the airline anticipating a further 30% ASK growth in FY26.
The fresh funding from the new institutional investor, pending statutory approvals, will enhance the balance sheet and facilitate further fleet and network expansion.
International Push and Strategic Partnerships
Earlier this year, Akasa launched international routes to Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi and entered its first codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways, improving connectivity to Europe and the Middle East.
With emerging hubs like Navi Mumbai and Noida International Airports expected to increase capacity, Akasa aims to grow across SAARC and ASEAN markets, supported by its expanding fleet of fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft.
“Every route, domestic or international, is chosen with purpose,” Dube stated. “We will expand gradually but with conviction.”
SME Platform and Digital Ecosystem
Differentiating itself from other low-cost carriers, Akasa has focused on enabling business travel, launching a new SME platform in July that offers corporate fares, flexible booking options, and bundled perks for small and medium-sized enterprises in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 markets.
This initiative complements Akasa’s expanding digital ecosystem, which includes over 25 ancillary products, integrated visa facilitation, and proprietary features such as SkyScore (real-time performance tracking), SkyLights (a low-light cabin mode), and QuietFlights for a restful travel experience.
People-First Culture
Through initiatives like gender-neutral uniforms and RCS-certified crew luggage, Akasa has established a unique employer brand that prioritises crew comfort and inclusivity, a rarity in a sector often focused on cost-cutting.
“Empowered people deliver exceptional service,” said Praveen Iyer, Chief Commercial Officer. “That belief shapes how we build our culture at Akasa.”
Crew training, inclusive policies, and a strong emphasis on service delivery have resulted in consistently high Net Promoter Scores (NPS) across all routes.
Exceptional Service
Akasa is dedicated to enhancing service quality with thoughtful innovations: it has served over 6.4 million meals through Café Akasa (including regional thalis and Kombucha), flown more than 7,100 pets, and provided amenities like Braille menus, USB charging ports, and bundled seat-meal combinations.
Initiatives such as Akasa GetEarly and Akasa Holidays underscore the airline’s comprehensive approach to the entire travel experience.
Positioned for Long-Term Success
With a solid balance sheet, a technology-driven mindset, and precise operations, Akasa Air has transformed from a start-up into a serious contender in shaping the future of both Indian and global aviation.
“Our mission is to make air travel more accessible, humane, and reliable,” Dube affirmed. “That’s how we’ll lead India into aviation’s next chapter, and claim our place on the global stage.”
