MUMBAI- Boeing company’s ongoing delivery delays have placed Akasa Air (QP) in a challenging position, leaving hundreds of its pilots grounded and causing internal frustration.
The airline, despite public confidence in Boeing, has privately criticized the US aircraft manufacturer for production setbacks that are hampering its expansion plans.
Photo: Utkarsh Thakkar Akasa Air Pilots Grounded
With a significant order backlog and regulatory hurdles slowing deliveries, Akasa faces operational stress in India’s competitive aviation market. Executives are navigating workforce management while awaiting much-needed aircraft to sustain growth.
Akasa Air (QP), India’s youngest airline, launched operations three years ago with a focus on rapid expansion. The low-cost carrier currently operates 27 aircraft and has 226 Boeing 737 MAX jets on order.
However, Boeing’s manufacturing delays, caused by regulatory scrutiny, a mid-air panel failure, and a prolonged workers’ strike, have stalled deliveries.
Despite public reassurances, Akasa executives privately expressed their concerns in an internal town hall.
During the meeting, Chief of Strategic Acquisitions, Priya Mehra, labeled Boeing as the “elephant in the room,” citing sleepless nights due to setbacks.
Co-founder Aditya Ghosh criticized Boeing for slowing the airline’s growth, while CEO Vinay Dube acknowledged the frustration among pilots who remain grounded due to a lack of aircraft.
Photo: X UserBoeing’s Global Impact
The impact of Boeing’s delays extends beyond Akasa. Southwest Airlines (WN), which operates an all-Boeing fleet, recently conducted its first company wide layoffs due to similar disruptions.
However, most airline leaders have refrained from direct criticism, in contrast to Akasa’s candid remarks.
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, noted that aircraft shortages will persist for several years.
While larger carriers like Air India (AI) and IndiGo (6E) dominate over 90% of India’s market, Akasa, with a modest 4.7% share, faces heightened risks due to its smaller scale and aggressive expansion strategy.
In 2023, Akasa reported a fourfold revenue increase to $356 million, yet its net loss widened from $86 million to $194 million. The airline continues to invest in fleet growth, but delays are slowing its path to profitability.
Photo: Akasa AirPilots Left Without Work
Akasa Air’s hiring spree resulted in a workforce of 775 pilots, but only 60% are actively flying, and around 310 pilots remain grounded, awaiting aircraft availability.
The airline aims to have most of them operational by the end of 2025 but has not detailed its plan for achieving this.
Some pilots have voiced frustration, citing lost incentives and career stagnation. The situation is exacerbated by Akasa’s training bond requirement, which obligates pilots to repay $41,700 if they resign.
While pilot salaries range from $35,000 to $111,000 annually, pay scales are based on flying hours, making inactivity financially burdensome.
In response, Akasa encouraged pilots to explore alternative roles in IT and maintenance. However, these roles do not offer additional compensation, further fueling dissatisfaction within the workforce.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanesFuture Outlook
Akasa has sought new funding from billionaire Azim Premji’s investment arm and the Jhunjhunwala family to sustain its expansion.
The airline projects doubling its fleet in 16–20 months, with an estimated 54 aircraft by late 2026.
Initially, the carrier expected to operate 72 aircraft by March 2027, but Boeing’s delays have forced a revised timeline.
Executives are pressing Boeing to prioritize production efficiency over industry events. Despite setbacks, Akasa remains committed to long-term growth in India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.
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Akasa Air Pilots Accuses Management of Unfair Practices and Safety Concerns
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