Akasa Air to Induct New Planes and Hundreds of Pilots

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing budget carrier, has officially resumed pilot recruitment after an 18-month hiatus.

Speaking at the Wings India 2026 event at Begumpet Airport, CEO Vinay Dube confirmed that the airline is aggressively expanding its flight crew to match a revitalized aircraft delivery schedule from Boeing.

Akasa Air Ending the 18-Month Hiring Freeze

The airline had paused pilot intake in June 2024 due to significant delays in Boeing 737 MAX deliveries, which had previously caused operational friction and a high pilot-to-aircraft ratio.

With the American planemaker now stabilizing its supply chain and adhering to revised timelines, Akasa Air restarted recruitment in late 2025.

The carrier currently employs over 750 pilots to manage its existing fleet.

This new hiring wave is designed to support the induction of several new aircraft expected over the coming months, ensuring the airline remains compliant with the DGCA’s stringent new flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norms.

Aggressive Fleet Expansion and Customization

Akasa Air’s fleet currently stands at 32 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with a 33rd expected to arrive immediately and two more slated for induction by the end of February 2026.

This growth is part of a massive 226-aircraft order book intended to be fulfilled through 2032.

At the Wings India 2026 showcase, the airline unveiled its first “purpose-built” aircraft, customized to its exact specifications.

The new Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 features next-generation Safran Z200 seats with enhanced cushioning and a 4-inch recline.

These seats also include integrated USB-A and USB-C ports to cater to modern travelers.

Vision for International Dominance

The recruitment drive and fleet growth are critical pillars of Akasa’s international strategy.

Currently, the airline operates to six international destinations, including Doha, Riyadh, and Phuket.

With more aircraft arriving, management plans to increase the international share of its operations to 30% by 2027.

This expansion will target new routes in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.

As Akasa Air prepares for a potential IPO, CEO Vinay Dube emphasized that the airline remains “financially sound” and well-capitalized.

By securing its talent pipeline now, Akasa aims to avoid the crew shortages that have plagued other domestic carriers.

This strategy positions the airline as the primary challenger to India’s aviation duopoly.

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