Akasa Air Faces Turbulence as 43 Pilot Resignations Disrupt Operations

In a turbulent turn of events, newly launched budget carrier Akasa Air finds itself grappling with a crisis as a wave of pilot resignations threatens to disrupt its operations. The airline, which commenced operations in August 2022, had initially shown promise, but recent developments have raised concerns about its future.

The Catalyst: Pilot Exodus

The trouble began when a significant number of pilots abruptly resigned from Akasa Air, leaving the airline in disarray. A total of 43 pilots, a substantial portion of the workforce, departed without serving their mandatory contractual notice period, which led to severe disruptions in flights between July and September. As a result, the airline was forced to cancel hundreds of flights and left thousands of passengers stranded. 
While pilot resignations are undoubtedly a challenge, industry experts question whether they are the sole reason behind the flight cancellations. Airlines typically hire pilots well in advance of their requirements, and an exodus of pilots alone is unlikely to trigger such reductions in flight operations.

Akasa Air's Reaction

CEO Vinay Dube emphasized that the airline was not shutting down despite the challenges. Dube acknowledged the disruption caused by the sudden pilot exits and revealed that legal action had been initiated against the pilots who violated their contracts and civil aviation regulations. Vinay Dube expressed confidence in Akasa Air's long-term prospects. He highlighted the airline's disciplined approach and strong financial profile, emphasizing its commitment to continued growth. Additionally, Akasa Air has been designated as an International Scheduled Operator, allowing it to commence international operations by the end of the year.

Legal Battle and Compensation

In response to the pilot resignations, Akasa Air has taken legal action against the 43 departing pilots. The airline is seeking approximately ₹22 crore in compensation to cover the loss of revenue and damage to its reputation caused by flight cancellations and operational disruptions resulting from the pilot departures. These legal battles are being fought in both the Delhi High Court and the Bombay High Court.

Impact on Operations and Reputation

The abrupt loss of pilots has had a substantial impact on Akasa Air's operations. The airline was forced to cancel about 24 flights per day in September, with the potential for up to 600-700 cancellations if resignations continue. This has not only inconvenienced passengers but also affected the airline's market share, which dropped from 5.2% in July to 4.2% in August 2023.

Surplus of Pilots and Reduced Flying Hours

Akasa Air's aggressive pilot hiring strategy, with nearly 300 pilots onboarded between August 2022 and March 2023, led to an excess of pilots compared to the number of flights. Industry standards require a minimum of 12 pilots per aircraft, but the airline had close to 330 pilots for its 20 aircraft fleet, resulting in lower flying hours per pilot. The departure of approximately 40 pilots certainly impacted the airline's operations, but it highlighted broader issues related to fleet expansion, supply chain challenges, and seat reconfigurations.

Looking Ahead

While Akasa Air faces immediate challenges, addressing these issues will be crucial for its long-term success. The airline's plans to expand its fleet to 28 aircraft by March 2024 have been hindered by supply chain issues and retrofitting delays. As Akasa Air navigates these challenges, industry experts suggest that a comprehensive reevaluation of its strategy and planning will be essential for ensuring a smoother flight path in the future.

Despite the turbulence, the airline is determined to maintain its course and continue its growth trajectory, targeting international operations and a significant aircraft order by the end of the year. In the fast-paced world of aviation, Akasa Air's journey serves as a reminder that even the most ambitious ventures must adapt to unforeseen challenges to secure their place in the skies.