Akasa is here for the long run, aim to be profitable in next three years, says CEO Vinay Dube, BA

Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube shares how the impact of Covid led to the unexpected opportunity to start an airline. The pandemic caused a significant decline in aircraft rentals, making it easier to access pilots, cabin crew, and engineers. This allowed Akasa to expand its fleet to 24 aircraft within 24 months by taking advantage of delivery slots and cost-cutting measures.

Despite facing losses of over INR 2,400 crore in the initial two years, Dube remains optimistic about the airline’s future. The focus is on building a strong foundation driven by technology, with investments in operations control, training, and AI solutions for customer interaction.

Co-founder Belson Coutinho emphasizes the airline’s investment in technology to provide personalized services based on customer preferences. Meanwhile, Praveen Iyer highlights the success of exploring non-metro routes and expanding destinations to generate revenue.

Investors, including family offices of prominent figures like Azim Premji and Ranjan Pai, are showing interest in Akasa Air, recognizing the potential for growth in the competitive airline market.