Akasa Air to start international operations by March-end

Akasa Air, has announced plans to start flight services to overseas destinations by the end of March 2024, to become the first Indian airline to start international services within 19 months of commencing operations.

Akasa will commence flight operation to Doha, in line with Qatar’s strategy that seeks to position the country as the fastest-growing tourism destination in the Middle East by 2030.

The Doha flights signify the next stage of growth of the airline, which aims to become one of the world’s top 30 airlines by the end of this decade. 

“We are delighted to announce our international operations with the launch of our first destination - Doha, to our growing network. The introduction of four flights a week, connecting directly with Mumbai, a key Indian commercial hub, will cater to a diverse set of travellers from the two countries, facilitating tourism, commerce and strengthening bilateral ties," said Vinay Dube, founder and CEO, Akasa Air.

In August last year, Akasa Air had announced adding the 20th aircraft to its fleet, which made the carrier eligible to fly internationally. In January, 

Akasa Air recently added two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet of over 20 aircraft.  It is planning to expand flight operations to the Middle East, Southeast Asia as well as other South Asian destinations like Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The airline also made history by placing follow-on orders for 150 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, which include 737-10 aircraft and 737-8-200, to be delivered over the coming years.

The airline, launched in 2022 with the backing of the investor group founded by late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, has a 4 per cent market share, against IndiGo’s dominant 60 per cent share and the Tata Group airlines collective share of 26 per cent.