Explorer

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-Backed Akasa Air Gets Aviation Ministry’s Nod To Operate In India

Airbus is in conversation with Akasa for an aircraft procurement deal, Airbus' Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer told news agency PTI last week.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Monday given a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the operation of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed new airline 'Akasa Air' in India.

The new airline aims to start operations by the summer of 2022, the holding company, SNV Aviation Private Limited, said.

ALSO READ | $2 Bn Heroin Seizure: Adani Ports To Stop Operating Cargos From Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran

Akasa Air is backed by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and ex-Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube.

“We are extremely happy and grateful to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for their support and for the grant of the NOC,” Vinay Dube, who is now the CEO of Akasa Air, was quoted as saying in the statement.

“We will continue to work with the regulatory authorities on all additional compliances required to successfully launch Akasa Air,” he added.

Akasa Air also has former IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh on its board.

The airline plans to operate approximately 70 planes in the next four years.

Airbus is in conversation with Akasa for an aircraft procurement deal, Airbus' Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer told news agency PTI last week.

Akasa has been in discussions with US plane manufacturer Boeing to procure its B737 Max planes, multiple media reports had said two months back. Airbus' A320 series of aircraft competes with Boeing's B737 series of planes in the aviation market.

Vinay Dube said on Monday: “At Akasa Air, we believe having a robust air transportation system is critical for our nation's progress. It is this belief that has motivated us to create a modern, efficient, quality-conscious airline”.

Akasa Air will serve all Indians regardless of their socio-economic or cultural backgrounds with warmth, inclusiveness and respect, he stated, as reported by PTI.

“Because at the end of the day, it is these qualities that connect people and cultures and help Indians realise their dreams,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 5 met Jhunjhunwala, noting that he is very “bullish” about the Indian economy.

“Delighted to meet the one and only Rakesh Jhunjhunwala... lively, insightful and very bullish on India,” PM Modi had tweeted.

When asked about his meeting with the PM, Jhunjhunwala, without divulging much, had said they talked about the economy.

“I told the prime minister that the economy is going to take off,” he told India Today​.

When asked about his entry into the aviation sector when some companies have gone bust, Jhunjhunwala​ ​replied​​​ he cannot say much but he is prepared for any outcome.

“We will see what happens. If it becomes successful, I will tell you about it and if it fails, I will simply say I didn't do anything much about it. I am taking a conscious risk...I am hopeful and prepared for failure,” he ​​​​had added.

(With PTI Inputs)

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

'Not In Good Taste', 'No Significance In Maharashtra': NDA Leaders Divided Over 'Batenge To Katenge' Slogan
'Not In Good Taste', 'No Significance In Maharashtra': NDA Leaders Divided Over 'Batenge To Katenge' Slogan
GRAP 3 In Delhi From Tomorrow As AQI Remains In 'Severe' Category. Details Here
GRAP 3 In Delhi From Tomorrow As AQI Remains In 'Severe' Category. Details Here
AAP's Mahesh Kumar Khichi Elected As Delhi's New Mayor Amid Cross-Voting
AAP's Mahesh Kumar Khichi Elected As Delhi's New Mayor Amid Cross-Voting
'Cong Desperate For Power Like Fish Out Of Water': Modi At Mumbai Rally, Takes 'Remote Control' Jibe At Uddhav
'Cong Desperate For Power Like Fish Out Of Water': Modi At Mumbai Rally, Takes 'Remote Control' Jibe At Uddhav
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Game-Changing Collateral-Free Loan Scheme for MSMEsSIP Emerges as a Safe Investment Amidst Market Fluctuations | Paisa LiveTop Banks Offering 8.75% Interest for Senior Citizens: Here’s What You Need to Know!RBI Set to Make a Big Decision on Your EMI: What You Need to Know!

Photo Gallery

Embed widget