Akasa Air is one of the newest airlines in the Indian aviation space that is soon becoming an oligopolistic market. Recently, the airline that was founded by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala finds itself in controversy when its pilots raised concerns over the company’s conduct with regards to safety issues, among other matters.
Akasa’s Response
The airline has now come out and rubbished these allegations. The airline spokesperson said “We categorically deny these allegations as baseless and untrue. Nor do they represent the views of Akasa pilots.”
The Mumbai-based airline also added that 324 pilots have joined the airline since October 2023. In addition, during this period, Akasa recorded an annualised attrition of less than 1 per cent.
Akasa Air with a fleet size of 26 planes currently wields 4.5 per cent of the Indian aviation marketshare.
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What Happened?
In a letter dated December 11, a section of the airline pilots wrote a letter addressed to the Civil Aviation minister. The letter accused the airline of not following standard processes in safety and training practices. The letter accused the airline of unfair practices and harassment.
In addition, this tranche of pilots urged the civil aviation ministry and the nodal agency, the DGCA, of an exigent intervention.
The letter urged for an immediate and independent investigation into Akasa Air’s training methods, safety standards, and management practices. The letter asked for strict adherence & enforcement to the Civil Aviation Requirement provisions.
‘High Failure Rate’
Adding to that, the pilots also asked for a comprehensive review of DGCA-designated examiners and instructors for unbiased & professional conduct.
Alarmingly, the letter also spoke of ‘High Failure Rate’ among its pilots, rasing concerns among stakeholders.
It needs to be noted that the company has been pulled by the civil aviation body in the past. In October of this year, DGCA slapped Akasa air with a fine of Rs 30 lakh for lapses in the training of crew.
Akasa Air with a fleet size of 26 planes currently wields 4.5 per cent of the Indian aviation marketshare.
