India – Akasa Air is preparing to restart pilot recruitment in the second half of 2026, as aircraft deliveries from Boeing stabilize and the airline ramps up operations across its domestic and international network. The move marks a key step in the carrier’s next phase of fleet and workforce expansion following a temporary slowdown caused by supply delays.
- Speaking at the Aviation India event, CEO Vinay Dube confirmed that Akasa expects all its pilots to be flying and accruing hours within the next 60 days, signalling a full return to operational activity after months of restricted utilization.
- The airline currently operates a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and is awaiting additional deliveries under its broader order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX jets, including MAX 8, MAX 8-200, and MAX 10 variants.
- Akasa plans to expand to 54 aircraft by October 2026 and 72 by March 2027, nearly doubling its current fleet within two years as Boeing accelerates production and deliveries.
- The airline has temporarily paused new pilot recruitment in 2025 due to delivery delays but intends to resume large-scale pilot hiring in late 2026 to support its upcoming aircraft additions.
- The return to growth will increase demand for type-rated 737 MAX pilots and is expected to create significant opportunities for both experienced and newly qualified flight crew within India’s fast-growing aviation market.
- Akasa continues to position itself for sustained expansion, focusing on operational readiness, pilot retention, and training capacity as it prepares for a longer-term fleet build-up.
Statements
- “In the next 60 days, 100% of our pilots will start accruing hours, meaning they’ll be in the cockpit,” said Vinay Dube, CEO of Akasa Air. “I am extremely thrilled that we’ve got 30 aircraft… We should have been exactly where we are today.”
Source: Akasa Air
You may also check our Terms and Conditions for our Content Policy. Searching for specific information - kindly contact us to see if we can assist you.