Akasa Air has revealed plans for a public listing within the coming 2-5 years, marking a substantial milestone in its evolving trajectory. The company holds financial backing from late investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. The airline also anticipates to restart hiring of pilots in the middle 0f 2026, signalling assurance in its strategy to expand after operational hurdles.
CEO Vinay Dube, at the Aviation India and South Asia Summit 2025, confirmed the timeline of the IPO whereas stressing that Akasa has no instant need for additional capital. The airline recently secured $125 million from Premji Invest, 360 ONE Asset, and Claypond Capital to support fleet expansion, technology upgrades, and service improvements. Dube highlighted financial farsightedness, stating, “Airlines that stay undercapitalized end up constrained when the market turns.”
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In spite of challenges including delay in delivery of Boeing and a US pilot strike in 2024 that temporarily grounded nearly 400 pilots, Akasa Air now functions 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, depicting 5.4% of India’s domestic market share. About 85% of pilots are now back in service, with complete deployment anticipated within 60 days.
The airline flies to 24 local and 6 international destinations, operating more than 1,000 flights in a week. It has reinforced hubs in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, with a growing focus on profitable India-Gulf routes to Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Riyadh, whereas expanding leisure destinations like Phuket amidst booming outbound tourism.
Though growing losses exceed INR 2,400 crore because of startup costs and delays in operation, Akasa Air is cash-positive and line up sustainable growth over aggressive expansion. Analysts specify a 2027–2030 IPO window aligns with projected profitability and India’s expected growth in the aviation market.
With strategic funding, growth in fleet, and diversification of routes, Akasa Air is placed itself as a third major force together with IndiGo and Air India, showing investor confidence and the growing of India’s aviation ecosystem.
Ankur Mishra is a journalist who covers an extensive range of news, from business, stock markets, IPOs to geopolitics, world affairs, international crises, and general news. With over a decade of experience in the business domain, Ankur has been associated with some of the reputed media brands. Through a sharp eye on global marketplaces along with deep insights and analysis of business strategies, Ankur brings simplicity to the complex economic matrix to decode market trends and empower people.
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