National, 8 September 2023: Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced the graduation of its first batch of pilots who have successfully completed their command upgrade training. This milestone, which is the first of many more to come, illustrates Akasa Air’s commitment towards nurturing talent and fostering career advancement opportunities through internal upgrades.

First Officer Shantanu Patil and First Officer Rahul Sinha are the first batch of pilots who have successfully completed their training and graduated to becoming pilots in command. These dedicated and skilled professionals have graduated from First Officers to Captains, marking a significant milestone not just in their careers, but also for Akasa.

The pilot training program at Akasa Air is a comprehensive curriculum that includes mentoring and professional guidance and is committed to cultivating the next generation of pilots who are equipped to meet the dynamic needs of the aviation industry.

“We are immensely proud to celebrate our first batch of pilots who have successfully transitioned to the role of Captains through our internal upgrade program. A first of many more to come, this momentous occasion is not just a testament to the rigorous and disciplined training undertaken by our pilots but also demonstrates their dedication and resilience which are integral characteristics for a career in aviation. At Akasa Air, we firmly believe that investing in our people is key to our success and to providing our passengers with a world-class travel experience. Over the next 12 months, we plan to upgrade between 40 – 50 additional Captains. Our goal is to build an aviation workforce fit for the future – by offering sustainable, open and inclusive opportunities for anybody looking for a career in the industry.”

Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Akasa Air

Learning and development are the cornerstones of Akasa’s employee centric culture. Ahead of the start of our operations, the airline invested in the Akasa Air Learning Academy at Gurgaon and have continued to enhance their world class training opportunities with two more centres of excellence, in Gurgaon and Bengaluru respectively. The state-of-the-art facilities have been established to deliver comprehensive training on various aspects across safety, service, and quality. These centres enhance the airline’s capabilities in providing hands-on and experiential training to the fast-growing employee base including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, airport services, security personnel as well as the leadership team.

About Akasa Air

Akasa Air is India’s newest and most dependable airline, offering warm and efficient customer service, reliable operations, and affordable fares – all in the Akasa Way. Akasa’s youthful personality, employee-centric philosophy, tech-led approach, and culture of service will make this commitment a reality for all Indians. The carrier launched its first commercial flight on 07 August 2022 to support the growing demand across India.

With a commitment to being socially responsible, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 76 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient, LEAP-1B engines. The 737 MAX family aircraft deliver superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions, fulfilling the airline’s promise of being an environmentally friendly company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.

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