Airlines

Navigating the Skies: Akasa Air Cleared for International Routes, Conducts 900 Weekly Flights

Akasa Air Secures Green Light for Saudi, Kuwait, and Qatar Routes

Akasa Air has served 4.3 million passengers in its first year of commercial operations and has surpassed the milestone of operating over 900 weekly flights with a published network of 35 unique routes between 16 destinations. Over 25,000 tonnes of freight have also been transported across the network during this time.

With a passenger load factor of over 84% since operations began and a continually increasing record of nearly 90% in the current financial year, Akasa Air has increased its market share in just one short year from 0% to 4.9%. With industry-leading on-time performance for several months running, the airline has demonstrated its unwavering dedication to being India’s most dependable airline while growing its operations.

Two more Indian airlines companies will make major orders for Airbus and Boeing.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Akasa Air set a record for being one of the fastest-growing airlines in the 120-year history of international aviation by achieving a fleet size of 20 new aircraft within 12 months of beginning commercial operations. The initial fleet induction plan called for adding one brand-new aircraft every 15 days.

Additionally, Akasa Air will be the first airline in Asia to adopt the Boeing 737 MAX 737-8-200 variant to its fleet when it receives its 20th aircraft on August 1st, 2023. The order book for Akasa Air includes 76 jets, including 23 737-8s and 53 737-8-200 aircraft. The airline also remains 100% committed to ordering a three-digit number of aircraft by the end of 2023.

Akasa Air to Add 800 Staff and Fly Internationally(Opens in a new browser tab)

The landmark addition of its 20th aircraft, heralds the next chapter of growth in the Akasa Air story, driving Akasa’s foray into international skies, and allowing the airline to showcase its unique and category-re-defining service to the world. With this immense impetus to its growth plans, Akasa will get access to international flying opportunities as it prepares to commence international operations by December 2023.

In the belief that training is a crucial component of providing excellent customer service, Akasa Air keeps spending money on it. Due to this, numerous top-notch learning institutions have been established in significant American cities. With the capacity to train nearly 700 future-ready aviation professionals at once, the Akasa air Learning Academy (AALA) provides technologically advanced education for the modern aviation industry. The facility houses the sole door trainer for the Boeing 737 MAX in India, enabling our cabin crew to receive extensive safety training. The B737- 8200 Max Mid Exit was recently installed by the Academy as well.

Airlines

United Airlines Introduces Free Seat Switch: Say Goodbye to the Middle Seat

Are you tired of the cramped quarters and limited mobility that come with being sandwiched between two fellow passengers on an airplane?

Well, United Airlines has rolled out a game-changing solution to spare you from the agony of the middle seat. In a savvy move aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and convenience, United Airlines has unveiled a groundbreaking feature on its mobile app that allows travelers to sidestep the dreaded middle seat.

Thanks to this innovative tool, passengers can now sign up for seat notifications, effectively giving them the power to their preferred seat and bid farewell to the discomfort of the middle spot.

But that’s not all – for those who crave extra legroom or are blessed with a taller stature, United’s new offering goes the extra mile. Passengers can now opt for coveted exit rows or bulkhead seats, renowned for their generous leg space, ensuring a more comfortable journey from takeoff to touchdown.

What’s truly remarkable about this service is its simplicity and accessibility. Travelers can make seat selections and request notifications up to 12 hours before their scheduled departure, putting the power to customize their flying experience firmly in their hands. Whether you’re yearning for a window seat with a view or seeking refuge in an aisle seat for easy access to the restroom, United’s app has got you covered.

Here’s how it works: when booking your flight through the United app, you can specify your desired seat preference. Even if your dream seat isn’t initially available, fret not – if it opens up later, you’ll be automatically reassigned and promptly notified of the change. It’s a seamless process designed to ensure maximum comfort and satisfaction for passengers, all with just a few taps on your smartphone.

And the best part? This game-changing service comes at no extra cost to the 3 million flyers who utilize the United app. whether you’re a frequent flier or a first-time traveler, you can enjoy the perks of this innovative feature.

Aerospace

IndiGo to Order 100 Small Planes from Airbus, ATR, or Embraer

IndiGo, India’s leading airline, is in talks with three aircraft manufacturers to acquire a fleet of at least 100 smaller planes, aiming to bolster its regional operations, as per a report by the Economic Times.

The airline’s recent order of 30 A350 aircraft underscores its strategic focus on expanding its reach with wide-body and long-range planes, targeting increased traffic from various regions across the country.

Now, the focus shifts to enhancing connectivity on shorter routes within India’s domestic network, tapping into the regional airline market. IndiGo is currently in discussions with ATR, Embraer, and Airbus for this purpose. With 45 ATR-72 aircraft already in operation, accommodating 78 passengers each, and five more expected this year, the airline is leaning towards ATR, although Airbus A220 and Embraer’s E-175 remain contenders.

Having established itself as a key operator of Airbus A320 aircraft, with over 450 on order for future delivery, IndiGo continues to strengthen its fleet.

This move follows closely on the heels of the recent agreement to purchase 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, a significant step that will facilitate the airline’s expansion both domestically and internationally. This deal marks IndiGo’s entry into the wide-body aircraft segment, further solidifying its position in the market.

IndiGo’s strategy includes penetrating tier 1, 2, and 3 cities within India’s regional aviation market using smaller aircraft.

As India maintains its status as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, airlines are striving to meet the escalating demand amid challenges faced by aircraft manufacturers in meeting production targets.

Airlines

Best and Worst Airlines in US and Canada for Customer satisfaction

In the ever-evolving landscape of air travel, customer satisfaction stands as a critical benchmark, reflecting the quality of service provided by airlines.

In the latest revelation from JD Power’s esteemed 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, unveiled on Wednesday, a select group of airlines has emerged as the epitome of excellence in meeting passenger expectations. Among the myriad factors influencing satisfaction, the experience at the front of the cabin holds particular significance, encapsulating premium services and amenities tailored to discerning travelers.

As we delve into the findings of this comprehensive study, we uncover the airlines that have excelled in this domain, setting a commendable standard for others to aspire to in the realm of air travel.

Delta Airlines, boasting a commendable score of 743 out of a possible 1000 points. With a commitment to service excellence that transcends mere transportation, Delta has secured its place as a paragon of customer satisfaction. From seamless check-ins to attentive in-flight amenities, Delta’s dedication to passenger comfort is evident at every turn.

Close to Delta’s is JetBlue Airways, garnering a respectable score of 736. Known for its customer-centric approach and vibrant in-flight experience, JetBlue continues to charm travelers with its blend of affordability and quality service. Despite the competitive landscape, JetBlue remains a formidable force in the realm of customer satisfaction.

However, not all airlines bask in the glow of acclaim. United Airlines finds itself in a middling position with a score of 698, while Alaska Airlines trails closely behind at 695. Despite their efforts, these carriers have yet to ascend to the pinnacles of customer satisfaction, facing challenges that hinder their ability to truly delight passengers.

Further down the list, American Airlines grapples with a score of 676, highlighting areas where improvements are imperative to enhance the overall passenger experience. Meanwhile, Air Canada lags behind with a score of 629, underscoring the need for strategic measures to address customer concerns and elevate satisfaction levels.