Akasa Air (QP) is a young and rapidly expanding Indian low-cost airline headquartered in Mumbai. Launched in 2022, the carrier emphasises affordable flying with a modern, fuel-efficient fleet.
It operates a point-to-point network across major Indian cities and a few international sectors, focusing on high-frequency connections and cost-competitive operations. In just a few years, Akasa has made notable strides in the domestic market share, supported by a dynamic work culture and ambitious growth plans.
Success in such a market depends heavily on pilots who can adapt to intensive rosters and rapid expansion. As Akasa continues to grow its network, the demand for pilots also rises, along with the need to retain skilled aviators in a competitive Indian aviation industry.
The airline’s pilot compensation blends base pay, flying allowances, and other benefits, designed to be competitive while reflecting the low-cost model under which Akasa operates.
Akasa Air Pilot Salary in 2026
Akasa Air First Officer Salary
In 2026, first officers at Akasa Air typically earn a base salary that ranges from ₹2,200,000 per year to ₹4,000,000 per year (approximately USD 26,000 to USD 48,000 per year), depending on experience, seniority, and flight hours flown.
For newer first officers on the 737 MAX, this entry band provides a solid foundation relative to other Indian low-cost carriers, reflecting Akasa’s focus on being financially competitive while still offering growth potential.
As first officers gain experience and fly more sectors, especially on high-frequency domestic routes, total annual compensation tends to rise toward the upper end of the range.
Additional flying allowances, per-diems for overnight stays, and performance bonuses contribute to higher take-home earnings.
Senior first officers with more hours and time on type can see annual packages approaching ₹4,800,000 to ₹5,200,000, especially when roster patterns include longer duty blocks or premium flight duties.
Akasa Air Captain Salary
Captains at Akasa Air in 2026 enjoy significantly higher compensation than first officers, reflecting their command responsibility and the operational complexity of managing narrow-body aircraft in busy airspace.
A newly promoted captain typically earns between ₹6,000,000 per year and ₹9,000,000 per year (approx. USD 72,000 to USD 108,000 per year), influenced by experience, seniority and the number of monthly flight hours.
With additional flying hours, leadership duties, and advanced roster responsibilities, senior captains at Akasa often earn annual compensation closer to ₹9,600,000 to ₹11,000,000 per year. These figures include base salary plus allowances and per diems for overnight or international sectors if rostered.
Captains who take on extra duties such as simulator instruction, fleet transition mentoring, or supervisory roles can further supplement their earnings, especially during peak travel seasons.
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Benefits Enjoyed by Akasa Air Pilots
Over and above industry-leading salaries, Akasa pilots are entitled to the following benefits.
- Travel Privileges – Pilots and their immediate family members are entitled to discounted or standby travel on Akasa Air’s network, enabling affordable leisure and personal travel across domestic and select international routes.
- Allowances – Pilots receive allowances when rostered on flights that require overnight stays, helping offset hotel, meal, and incidental expenses during layovers away from their home base.
- Insurance – The airline provides comprehensive medical and life insurance coverage for pilots and their dependents, ensuring support for healthcare needs and financial protection in case of unforeseen events.
- Retirement Plan – Akasa Air offers employer-supported retirement savings programmes, enabling pilots to build long-term financial security beyond their active flying careers.
- Career Progression – Pilots have access to structured training, recurrent simulator sessions, and opportunities to transition to command roles or advanced operational duties, supporting long-term career development.
- Leave Provisions – Pilots are entitled to paid annual leave and mandated rest periods between duty cycles, designed to maintain a sustainable work-life balance in line with Indian aviation regulations.
- Bonus Scheme – In addition to base salary, pilots may receive performance-linked bonuses, recognition payments and other incentives tied to operational metrics and seniority milestones.
- Wellness Programmes – Akasa Air offers mental wellness resources and peer support programmes to assist pilots with work-related stress and overall well-being.
Aircraft Operated by QP Pilots
Akasa Air has a fleet solely operated by the Boeing 737 MAX family of aircraft. Here is an exact breakdown of their current fleet.
- Boeing 737 MAX 8 – 23
- Boeing 737 MAX 200 – 8
In addition, the following planes are on order.
- Boeing 737 MAX 10 – 99
- Boeing 737 MAX 200 – 96
Requirements To Become A Pilot for Akasa Air
Akasa Air’s pilot candidates must fulfil the following requirements. The flying hours necessary are dependent on the level of experience the airline is looking to fill.
- Applicants must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) issued by the DGCA of India or an equivalent licence recognised under Indian civil aviation regulations.
- Pilots must possess a valid Class 1 medical certificate certifying full physical and mental fitness for commercial airline flying duties.
- Strong proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for communication with air traffic control and flight crew.
- Candidates should demonstrate recent multi-engine commercial flight experience in an airline or equivalent operation.
- Aspiring first officers must meet minimum flight hour requirements, including turbine and multi-crew experience as defined by Akasa Air.
- Applicants must display excellent decision-making, situational awareness and professionalism under operational pressure.
- Sound leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills are required to maintain effective cockpit coordination and crew resource management.
- Candidates must be willing to undergo recurrent training, simulator evaluations, and transition training as required by the airline.
- Individuals must have legal authorisation to live and work in India and meet any DGCA licensing validation or visa requirements.
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Hiring Process
Akasa Air’s hiring process for pilots includes the following steps.
- Application – Prospective pilots submit an online application through Akasa Air’s careers portal, including licences, pilot logbook extracts, medical certificates, and a detailed CV.
- Eligibility Screening – The recruitment team reviews applications to confirm that candidates meet the airline’s minimum requirements, including licence validity, flight hours, and medical fitness.
- Online Assessment – Short-listed candidates complete technical and aptitude tests that evaluate aviation knowledge, reasoning skills, and cockpit resource management awareness.
- Simulator Evaluation – Candidates who pass the online assessments are invited to a simulator evaluation, where handling skills, decision-making, and emergency response are assessed on the Boeing 737 platform.
- Interview Stage – Applicants meet with senior pilots and human resources representatives for technical and behavioural interviews focused on operational knowledge, communication, and cultural fit.
- Medical and Background Checks – Final candidates must pass a comprehensive Class 1 medical examination and undergo background verification before receiving a formal employment offer.
Bottom Line
In 2026, Akasa Air seeks to offer competitive pilot compensation within the Indian aviation market, particularly for those seeking early career opportunities. First officers enjoy rising salaries with experience and flying hours, while captains benefit from solid command pay bands and additional bonuses tied to advanced duties.
Combined with a modern fleet and growth trajectory, Akasa provides pilots with a clear pathway for career development, structured progression, and stable benefits, making it a compelling choice in India’s low-cost carrier segment.
Akasa Air Pilot Salary FAQs
In 2026, first officers typically earn between ₹2,200,000 and ₹5,200,000 per year, while captains generally earn between ₹6,000,000 and ₹11,000,000 per year, depending on experience and duties.
Pilots are primarily based at Akasa Air’s operational hubs in Mumbai and other Indian metros, with roster patterns covering major domestic sectors and selected international services.
Yes, Akasa Air continues to recruit both first officers and captains to support its fleet expansion and increased flying schedule. Pilot vacancies and eligibility criteria are listed on the airline’s careers portal.
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