Akasa Air to Start Operations this Month

Akasa Air, India's new airline, received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Thursday (DGCA).

"The grant of the AOC is the final step of a comprehensive and rigorous process laid down by the DGCA and marks the satisfactory completion of all regulatory and compliance requirements for the airline's operational readiness," Akasa Air said in a statement.

The airline also stated that it is the first to use the government's cutting-edge eGCA digital platform for the entire AOC process. According to the company, the process concluded with the airline successfully conducting a number of proving flights under the supervision of the country's aviation regulator.

"We now look forward to opening our flights for sale, leading to the start of commercial operations by late July. This will begin our journey towards building India's greenest, most dependable and most affordable airline," said Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air.

On June 21, Akasa Air, with the airline code QP, received its first 737 MAX. The airline will begin commercial operations with two aircraft later this month, adding to its fleet every month thereafter. The airline will have inducted 18 aircraft by the end of the fiscal year 2022-23, followed by 12-14 aircraft every 12 months, completing its order of 72 delivered over five years, according to the company.