Akasa Air receives Air Operator Certificate

Akasa Air, India's newest airline backed by investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) today from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

"The grant of the AOC is the final step of a comprehensive and rigorous process laid down by the DGCA, and marks the satisfactory completion of all regulatory and compliance requirements for the airline's operational readiness," says an official release.

Akasa Air is the first airline whose end-to-end AOC process was conducted using the government's progressive eGCA digital platform, the release added. "The process concluded with the airline having successfully conducted a number of proving flights under the supervision of the country's aviation regulator."

"We are extremely thankful to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA for their constructive guidance, active support and the highest levels of efficiency throughout the AOC process," says Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air. "We now look forward to opening our flights for sale, leading to the start of commercial operations by late July. This will begin our journey towards building India's greenest, most dependable, and most affordable airline".

Akasa Air, whose airline code is QP, received its first 737 MAX on June 21, 2022, the release said. The airline will start commercial operations with two aircraft, subsequently adding to its fleet, every month. By the end of the fiscal year 2022-23, the airline plans to induct 18 aircraft,and 12-14 aircraft every 12 months.