Akasa has been ranked 8th in LinkedIn’s inaugural list of Top Companies in the midsize category (companies with fewer than 5,000 employees) in India.
The list is a data-backed ranking of 15 leading workplaces in India to grow one’s career, paving the way in setting professionals up for long-term career success. Akasa Air is the only airline to be featured in this category for 2024, the firm said in a statement.
Akasa Air's Remarkable Achievement
Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO at Akasa Air said, “I am extremely pleased to see Akasa featured in LinkedIn’s list of top mid-sized companies for career development in India. What makes this recognition even more satisfying is that we have achieved this milestone while being the fastest growing and most reliable airline in India, within just two years of starting our operations. People are our biggest asset, and we continue to invest in building a culture of employee centricity and happy workplace. We are really grateful to all our colleagues for their trust in Akasa and powering the unprecedented growth of the airline. We will continue to strive to be a workplace that they can grow and take pride in.”
Employee-Centric Culture
Ritu Sinha, Head of Human Resources at Akasa Air also shared, “At Akasa Air, we have endeavoured to build a culture of employee-centricity and to be a workplace that employees feel proud to be a part of. We have made several conscious efforts in that direction. Our policies, from compensation and benefits to learning and development initiatives, are crafted to meet the diverse needs and expectations of our employees. Our approach to learning and development is rooted in developing a future-ready workforce that will gain a competitive advantage in the dynamic aviation landscape. Moreover, we want all our employees to have fun at work and we make every effort to infuse this in our daily lives at Akasa.”
LinkedIn uses data to rank companies based on eight pillars that have been shown to lead to career progression, namely ability to advance, skills growth, company stability, external opportunity, company affinity, gender diversity, educational background, and employee presence in the country.
Since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air has served over 8 million passengers and connects with 22 cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj and Doha (Qatar).
The airline took to the skies on 07 August 2022 and commenced international operations on 28 March 2024, offering non-stop flights from Mumbai to Doha. It has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient, LEAP-1B engines and currently operates 24 737 MAX aircraft.
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In the run-up to its 19th anniversary on 29th April, Air India Express has unveiled its #VoteAsYouAre initiative and campaign to empower and mobilize the youth of India to exercise their voting rights in the 18th Lok Sabha elections, the airline said in a statement.
Empowering Youth Through Travel
The airline is offering 19% off across its domestic and international network for first-time voters, between the ages of 18 and 22, flying to cast their votes. Bookings can be made on the airline’s mobile app and website, airindiaexpress.com for travel to the airport nearest to the respective constituency of the voter, between 18th April and 1st June 2024.
Significance of #VoteAsYouAre
#VoteAsYouAre is designed to recognize the importance of voting, especially among those eligible to vote for the first time in this election, the world’s biggest democratic exercise ever, with nearly 1 billion people eligible to vote, more than the population of the United States, the European Union and Russia combined. This initiative encourages the youth of India to exercise their franchise, make their voice heard and participate in shaping the future of the nation, the airline said in a statement.
Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express said, "Air India Express has always served as a catalyst for change - uniting people, places, and cultures across borders. As we gear up for our 19th anniversary, #VoteAsYouAre symbolizes our commitment to empowering and galvanizing the youth in shaping the future of our nation while fostering a culture of active citizenship and democratic participation. With this initiative, we want to make it easier for first-time voters to exercise their right to vote while also expressing our gratitude for their engagement in shaping the future of our country."
Air India Express flies to 31 destinations across states in India, including Amritsar (Punjab), Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) Bagdogra (West Bengal), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Delhi, Goa (Goa), Guwahati (Assam), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Hyderabad (Telangana), Imphal (Manipur), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Kannur (Kerala), Kochi (Kerala), Kozhikode (Kerala), Kolkata (West Bengal), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Mangalore (Karnataka), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Pune (Maharashtra), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), Surat (Gujarat), Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu), Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).
First-time voters can avail of this offer across the fare family of Air India Express that includes four fare products – Xpress Lite (cabin baggage only fares), Xpress Value (15 kg check-in bag fares), Xpress Flex (unlimited changes with no change fees) and Xpress Biz (Business Class seating with complimentary Gourmair meals & priority services).
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Regional startup Fly91 flagged off its maiden flights to Agatti and Jalgaon on Thursday, offering direct connectivity from Goa’s Manohar International Airport.
Connecting Pristine Islands: Goa to Agatti
The first flight to Agatti departed ahead of schedule at 7:10 am and reached Agatti Island Airport at 8:50am. The return flight departed at 9:20am and landed at the airport at Mopa, Goa at 11:10am.
With fares starting at Rs 4391, Fly91’s Goa-Agatti flights have made the pristine islands accessible to the mainland and increased connectivity to and from the Lakshadweep archipelago, the airline said in a statement.
To mark the milestone, a cake cutting ceremony was held at Agatti with staff and passengers joining in the celebrations.
The Goa based carrier commenced operations between Goa-Agatti-Goa, Goa-Jalgaon-Goa and Hyderabad-Jalgaon-Hyderabad on Thursday. The regional carrier will fly to Agatti on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. However, from May 1, the flights from Goa-Agatti-Goa will operate seven days of the week.
Enhanced Accessibility: Jalgaon Beckons
Fly91 will operate the Goa - Jalgaon - Goa and Hyderabad-Jalgaon-Hyderabad flights on Monday, Thursday and Saturday with fares starting at Rs 1991 onwards.
Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO at Fly91 said, "The new routes reflect FLY91's commitment to affordable and convenient air travel, opening doors to explore the untouched beauty of destinations across the country. We are committed to enhance last mile connectivity in India by constantly adding new cities and routes which provide easier and faster access to people to commute’’
The addition of Agatti and Jalgaon as domestic sectors in FLY91’s network coincides with the domestic summer holiday season. Agatti Island, one of Lakshadweep's most sought-after destinations, boasts a 6 km stretch of stunning land blessed with diverse marine life. Agatti attracts enthusiasts of deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, kayaking and is an ideal starting point for exploring the tranquil islands in the region.
Jalgaon, which is the gateway to the historic Ajanta and Ellora caves, is located a short drive away from Jalgaon airport.
The airline currently operates flights into Goa, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Sindhudurg.
Fly91 plans to enhance last mile air connectivity and connect over 50 cities across India in the next five years with 30 ATR aircraft.
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Boeing, a global leader in aerospace innovation, has made waves with its recent announcement of the largest-ever purchase of blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This significant move underscores Boeing's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and accelerating sustainability efforts within the commercial aviation sector. Let's delve deeper into this groundbreaking initiative and its implications for the future of air travel.
Boeing's Record-Breaking SAF Purchase
In a bold step towards environmental stewardship, Boeing has committed to purchasing 9.4 million gallons (35.6 million liters) of blended SAF to support its 2024 US commercial operations. This marks a monumental increase of 60% compared to its total SAF purchases in 2023, showcasing Boeing's dedication to scaling up sustainable practices within the industry.
The Blend and Environmental Impact
The blended fuel consists of 30% SAF derived from waste by-products such as fats, oils, and greases, with the remaining 70% comprised of conventional aviation jet fuel. This strategic blend not only reduces carbon emissions but also demonstrates the feasibility of integrating sustainable alternatives into existing aviation infrastructure.
Unblended (or 'neat') SAF has the potential to slash carbon emissions by up to 85% over the fuel's life cycle, offering a promising solution to mitigate the environmental impact of air travel. By prioritizing SAF usage, Boeing aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to the industry's overarching goal of carbon neutrality.
Boeing's EcoDemonstrator Program
The recent SAF purchase will support Boeing's ecoDemonstrator program, which focuses on testing innovative technologies to enhance environmental performance and sustainability across commercial aircraft operations. Through this program, Boeing continues to lead by example in driving forward-thinking solutions for a greener future.
Challenges, Solutions, Partnerships and Procurement
Despite the undeniable benefits of SAF, the widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuel faces challenges, notably the limited availability of manufacturing plants for production. However, Boeing remains undeterred, actively working to overcome these hurdles through collaboration, investment, research, and policy advocacy.
Boeing has inked new purchase agreements with two SAF suppliers, ensuring a steady supply of blended SAF for its operations. EPIC Fuels and Avfuel will provide a combined total of 4 million gallons directly to Boeing's fuel farms, while an additional 5.4 million gallons will be acquired through a book-and-claim process, facilitated by EPIC Fuels and World Fuel Services.
Looking Ahead
As Ryan Faucett, Boeing's vice president of environmental sustainability, aptly states, "Sustainable aviation fuel is essential to decarbonize aviation." Boeing's ambitious SAF procurement initiative sets a new standard for sustainability in the aerospace industry and paves the way for continued innovation and collaboration towards an eco-friendlier aviation sector.
Boeing's monumental commitment to purchasing blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel represents a significant milestone in the journey towards greener skies. By prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, Boeing is driving positive change and inspiring others in the industry to follow suit. With continued efforts and investments, the vision of a carbon-neutral aviation industry is well within reach.
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Recent concerns over safety practices within the American aviation sector have once again brought the spotlight onto the critical issue of ensuring passenger safety. With American Airlines’ pilot union raising alarms about a surge in safety issues, alongside ongoing scrutiny of Boeing and United Airlines, the industry faces a pivotal moment in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Rising Concerns at American Airlines
The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing American Airlines pilots, has sounded the alarm on a concerning uptick in safety incidents. These issues range from tools being left in wheel wells after maintenance work to aircraft collisions during towing, highlighting a potential lapse in safety protocols. The union has emphasized the need for vigilant reporting and a commitment to thorough maintenance procedures to uphold safety standards.
Union-Management Collaboration
In response to these concerns, American Airlines' management has shown a willingness to address the issues raised by the union. Following discussions with APA representatives, management has pledged to involve the union in the safety risk assessment process and ensure their participation in the quality assurance process. This collaborative approach underscores the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in maintaining a robust safety culture.
Reaffirming Commitment to Safety
An American Airlines spokesperson has reiterated the company's dedication to safety, emphasizing their comprehensive safety management system and ongoing collaboration with regulatory authorities and unions. This commitment reflects the industry-wide recognition of safety as a paramount concern and the collective effort required to uphold rigorous safety standards.
Broader Industry Scrutiny
The spotlight on American Airlines comes amidst a broader backdrop of safety concerns within the aviation industry. Boeing, once regarded as a pinnacle of aircraft manufacturing, has faced significant scrutiny following the Alaska Airlines midair blowout incident. The subsequent FAA oversight and production slowdown of Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft underscore the gravity of the situation.
United Airlines Under Review
United Airlines has also come under the regulatory microscope following a series of incidents affecting its flights, including tire loss, skidding, and jammed rudder. The FAA's increased presence in United's operations signals a comprehensive review of the airline's procedures and facilities, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures.
Conclusion
The recent focus on safety issues within American Airlines, alongside ongoing scrutiny of industry giants like Boeing and United Airlines, underscores the critical importance of maintaining stringent safety protocols in aviation. Collaboration between stakeholders, including airlines, unions, and regulatory authorities, is essential in fostering a culture of safety and ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew. As the industry navigates these challenges, a steadfast commitment to safety must remain paramount to uphold public trust and confidence in air travel.
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Amidst ongoing tensions between the United States and China, the aviation industry finds itself at a crossroads. A recent joint letter from Airlines for America, representing major US carriers, and three prominent aviation unions underscores growing concerns over the unequal playing field in air travel between the two nations. As the Biden administration weighs its options, the future of passenger flights between the world's two largest economies hangs in the balance.
Unequal Market Access and Calls for Pause
The letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlights the disparity in market access faced by US airlines operating in China. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, China implemented stringent restrictions affecting market access and operational rules. These measures, coupled with the ban on US carriers flying over Russian airspace and the protectionist policies benefiting Chinese airlines, have created what the letter terms a "competitive disadvantage" for US carriers.
Amidst these challenges, the letter urges Secretary Blinken to halt additional passenger flights between the United States and China until American workers and businesses are granted equal access to the Chinese market. This appeal comes in the wake of the US Department of Transportation's decision to allow Chinese carriers to operate up to 50 weekly flights starting March 31, representing nearly one-third of pre-pandemic levels.
Concerns and Disadvantages
US airlines fear that any further increase in flight frequencies, sanctioned by the Biden administration, could exacerbate their competitive disadvantage. The possibility of doubling the number of allowed flights to 100 adds to their apprehension. With nearly 315,000 jobs in the balance, the impact on the US aviation workforce could be significant.
Policy Implications and Industry Response
The Biden administration faces mounting pressure to address these concerns while navigating the broader US-China relationship. Balancing economic interests with strategic considerations presents a formidable challenge. Any decision regarding air travel frequencies will likely be scrutinized for its potential impact on American jobs and competitiveness.
The aviation industry, represented by Airlines for America and supported by key unions such as the Air Line Pilots Association, the Allied Pilots Association, and the Association of Flight Attendants, is closely monitoring developments. Their collective stance underscores the urgency of addressing the systemic issues affecting US carriers' operations in China.
Conclusion
As tensions persist between the United States and China, the aviation industry finds itself caught in the crossfire. The joint letter to Secretary Blinken serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing US carriers in the Chinese market. How the Biden administration navigates these complexities will not only shape the future of air travel between the two nations but also have far-reaching implications for the broader bilateral relationship. As stakeholders await a response, the question remains: Is the US-China air travel relationship heading for turbulence?
With Inputs from ch-aviation
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