MUMBAI– With a fleet made up entirely of Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, Akasa Air launched its operations in 2022 and became the country’s newest airline.
The company was started by the late investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. Along with numerous other industry-first initiatives, such as a dedicated Pet Policy to allow pet travel and a new comfortable and gender-neutral dress for cabin crew.
Furthermore, the airline ordered 72 Boeing 737-8 MAX planes in an industry-first for India, all painted in a new orange-purple livery.
Co-Founder Insights
In a first-of-its-kind arrangement, Akasa Air and Boeing Co. agreed to a contract in 2019 under which Akasa Air will order 72 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
Within eight months of Akasa Air’s operations beginning, Boeing has already delivered 19 of these aircraft to the Indian company, and the 20th aircraft is about to be delivered. The remaining aircraft will be delivered over the course of five years, according to Belson.
When it comes to the routes, Akasa Air has listed 17 locations as its operating hubs, 14 of which are already open for business.
By the end of the year, Akasa Air hopes to expand internationally with its current aircraft fleet. As soon as operations begin, they will therefore fly to either the Middle East or Central Asia.
Akasa Air Innovations
The airline crew uniform was introduced by Akasa Air in June 2022, making it the first carrier in India to do so. The uniform included custom-made jackets, pants, and sneakers for the crew members who would be working the aircraft.
According to Belson, the purpose of the uniform was to give the cabin crew a comfortable outfit, and as a result, a gender-neutral design was used. With recycled polyester fabric created from pet bottle plastic recovered from marine debris, the trouser and jacket fabric have been designed specifically for Akasa Air.
The garment, which was inspired by the Indian bandh gala, was designed by Rajesh Pratap Singh. For the comfort of the cabin crew, who spend several hours standing, not only the clothing but also the footwear has been particularly created.
The Vanilla Moon-designed trainers have additional padding from heel to toe, and the soles are made entirely of recycled rubber and without the use of any plastic during manufacturing.
Domesticated dogs and cats were allowed in the cabin as well as the cargo on Akasa Air flights beginning in October 2022, making it the first airline in India to adopt a dedicated pet policy.
Belson discussed it and suggested that each pet would have to fit inside the weight restriction and be kept in a cage. As per the regulations, if your pet weighs less than 7 kilograms, it is permitted to fly in the cabin.
After clearing security, those weighing 7 to 32 kilogrammes must check in at the counter, while animals weighing more than 32 kg must be transported via the cargo terminal.
Dedicated pet Policy
We did receive numerous inquiries from animal lovers… Everybody agrees that there should be a welcoming environment for animals as well. According to Coutinho, “We love animals. Therefore, this is how we came to this conclusion.
According to him, the airline has teamed with an NGO to address issues related to the transport of pets, such as how to prepare and what all pet owners should be aware of, as well as the dos and don’ts.
Akasa Cafe
Speaking of Café Akasa, Akasa Air’s in-flight catering service, Belson said the company offers a wide selection of fusion meals, farm-inspired and plant-based offerings, a variety of menu choices like pasta, Vietnamese rice rolls, hot chocolate, and an annual festival menu that draws inspiration from Indian cuisines and celebrations.
The perishable food packaging used by Akasa Air is made from crops that have been ethically raised. Additionally, these meals are only available by advance reservation, and in addition to the usual menu, a festive season menu is occasionally introduced. However, there are also other cuisines available as regular menu items.
Examples include a Middle Eastern falafel platter, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, Continental bagels, burgers, sandwiches, Insta-friendly salads, and a variety of pies, cakes, and puddings.
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