Akasa Air launches international operations; first flight from Mumbai to Doha

New Delhi: Akasa Air on Friday said it will start international operations with flight services to Doha starting from March 28. "Starting March 28, 2024, Akasa Air will operate four non-stop flights a week, connecting Mumbai with Doha, enhancing air connectivity between Qatar and India," the airline said in a release. Akasa Air Founder and CEO Vinay Dube said its foray into Qatar marks the next phase of growth as it continues the journey towards becoming one of the world's top 30 airlines by the turn of this decade. Currently, the airline, which started flying in August 2022, operates 23 Boeing 737 Max aircraft. 

On Feb 15, the airline also launched daily flights from Ayodhya to Pune via Delhi. Since it started flying in 2022, Akasa has garnered a market share of 4%, while bigger rival IndiGo has the largest share at 60% and Tata Group airlines have a combined 26%. Last month, Akasa's chief commercial officer said that the airline has plans to fly to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar in the first phase of its international expansion.

Last month, it ordered 150 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody planes. It was the first major order announcement for Boeing's MAX jetliner programme since a mid-air cabin panel blowout in the United States last month, although Akasa's order does not include the 737 Max 9 version which is in the spotlight after the incident. The order was announced at the "Wings India" air show in the southern city of Hyderabad, which has attracted plane makers, airlines and government officials as they make the most of India's travel boom, with a greater focus on international routes.
(With inputs from PTI and Reuters)