7 January 2025: Akasa Air, India's fastest-growing airline, announced the appointment of Belson Coutinho as its Chief Operating Officer, effective January 6, 2025. Belson will lead Akasa Air’s crucial operational functions as the airline continues its path to becoming one of the top 30 airlines in the world by the turn of this decade.  

In his new role, Belson will be responsible for Inflight Services, Airport Services, Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Operations, IOCC, Operational Excellence while also spearheading Akasa Air Learning Academy. With over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, Belson has delivered multiple industry-first initiatives in Indian aviation, underpinned by his strong operational, strategic and leadership skills.  

Commenting on the appointment, Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air, said, “We are delighted to have Belson step into the role of Akasa Air’s Chief Operating Officer. Belson's multi-faceted role over the years had him successfully collaborate with cross-functional teams across airline operations, developing a good understanding of the functioning of operational departments. His passion for brand building, service excellence, training, technology, processes, employee centricity and sharp focus on cost leadership equips him to bring tremendous value to his new role as our COO. We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to enhance our operational efficiency, deliver on our values of service excellence, and make significant strides toward achieving our vision of becoming a world-class airline.”  

Belson has been a part of Akasa Air’s executive committee since the airline’s inception in 2022. Prior to assuming the role of Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Belson held the position of Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at Akasa Air where he was instrumental in shaping the brand’s vision, driving category-redefining customer-centric initiatives, and creating a strong foundation for the airline's unprecedented growth.  

Akasa Air’s operational efficiencies and extremely positive customer feedback have made it a preferred carrier in India, serving over 14 million passengers since its launch in August 2022. Akasa Air currently connects with 22 domestic and five international cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Doha (Qatar), Jeddah, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Kuwait City (Kuwait).  

About Akasa Air:  

Akasa Air is India’s most dependable airline, offering warm and efficient customer service, reliable operations, and affordable fares - all in the Akasa Way. Akasa’s youthful personality, employee-centric philosophy, tech-led approach, and culture of service make this commitment a reality for all Indians.  

The carrier launched its first commercial flight on 07 August 2022 to support the growing demand across India and commenced international operations on 28 March 2024, offering non-stop flights from Mumbai to Doha. This milestone makes it the first Indian airline to fly overseas within a record period of just 19 months. Internationally, Akasa Air operates flights to Doha, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Kuwait. Since its inception, Akasa Air has served over 14 million passengers and connects 27 cities.  

With a clear focus on sustained, long-term growth, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient, LEAP-1B engines. It currently operates 26 737 MAX aircraft which deliver superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions. The aircraft also powers a quieter cabin with 40 per cent less noise fulfilling the airline's promise of being an environmentally progressive company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.   

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