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Akasa Air, a relatively new player in India's aviation market, is facing significant challenges due to delays in the delivery of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline has had to ground many of its pilots as it awaits the arrival of additional planes from Boeing.
The company launched its first flight on October 7, 2022, and has been steadily hiring and training pilots based on an initial order of 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This order was later increased to 76 aircraft, with a further order for 150 planes placed at WINGS India 2024. However, a series of setbacks, including a door blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 and a machinist strike that halted production until December 2024, have disrupted these plans.
Despite these issues, Akasa Air has remained committed to its growth strategy. The airline requires approximately 18 pilots per aircraft but currently operates only 26 active planes. Consequently, around 400 out of the airline's total pool of 850 pilots are still waiting to begin flying.
