Akasa Air stated Friday that it will begin international operations on March 28, with Doha serving as its first overseas destination. With the beginning of this service, the fledgling carrier will become the first Indian airline to fly worldwide in just 19 months of operation.
"Beginning March 28, 2024, Akasa Air will operate four nonstop flights per week connecting Mumbai and Doha, improving air connectivity between Qatar and India." Flight bookings are now open," Akasa Air announced in a statement.
Delighted to introduce Doha as our first international destination on the growing Akasa network! Now enjoy 4x weekly, non-stop flights between Mumbai and Doha, starting 28th March.
Experience our warm and efficient service, multi-cuisine gourmet meals and comfortable seats with… pic.twitter.com/5oXN0uaegW— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) February 16, 2024
Indian airlines flying overseas
Before 2016, Indian carriers were authorized to fly overseas after completing five years of domestic operations and maintaining a minimum fleet size of 20 aircraft. In June of that year, the government eliminated the five-year restriction, making the 20-aircraft fleet size the sole criterion for operating foreign flights.
Akasa Air received its 20th aircraft in August 2023, just a year after commencing commercial operations. For its international operations, the airline would initially focus on high-traffic areas such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Apart from Doha, Akasa Air has gained official approvals to fly to Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha, and Kuwait.
Akasa Air’s CEO statement
"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 travelers from the two countries, facilitating tourism, commerce and strengthening bilateral ties," said Vinay Dube, the founder and chief executive officer, in a statement.
He said, "Our foray into Qatar marks the next phase of growth as we continue our journey towards becoming one of the world's top 30 airlines by the turn of this decade."
A few weeks before the announcement of the commencement of international operations, Akasa Air revealed a definite order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft, bringing its overall order size for the aircraft to 226.
"These additions to our fleet will help us bolster the strength of our operations as we expand our footprint and foray into international skies very shortly," Dube said when the order for 150 aircraft was revealed.
Image Source: Mint
Ⓒ Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
