Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
Akasa Air raises pilot salaries by up to 15% to support expansion
Akasa Air is raising pilots’ fixed monthly salaries by up to 15% from January 1, 2027.
The increases will cover all eight pilot grades, from first officers to designated examiners.
The airline says the pay changes are intended to help retain pilots as it prepares to expand.
Akasa has 45 aircraft and plans to add eight more by the end of the current financial year; it also has 181 planes on order.
Pilots take time to train: trainee first officers need six months before becoming first officers, and first officers need at least 1,500 flying hours to qualify for captain upgrades.
That training time makes it important for airlines to keep experienced pilots as they add aircraft and recruit staff.
The new pay structure takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Akasa Air plans to raise pilot salaries from January 1, 2027, as it expands its fleet and routes.
The Economic Times reported salary increases of up to 15%, while Hindustan Times reported increases of up to 20%.
Hindustan Times also reported higher minimum protected flying hours, more annual leave and additional work-pattern choices.
The airline has 45 aircraft and more than 800 pilots, according to Hindustan Times.
Akasa plans to add eight aircraft by the end of the current fiscal year and has 181 more planes on order, according to the Economic Times.
- Who
- Akasa Air and its pilots.
- What
- The airline plans to raise pilot salaries and revise other employment terms. Reports differ on the maximum salary increase: 15% or 20%.
- When
- The changes are due to take effect on January 1, 2027.
- Where
- Akasa Air operates in India. It plans pilot bases in Cochin and Kolkata.
- Why
- To retain pilots and support the airline’s expansion, according to the Economic Times.
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Akasa Air began commercial operations.
Pilots were informed about the revisions during an internal meeting, according to Hindustan Times.
The revised salary structure and leave entitlements are due to take effect.
- Reported salary increase
- Up to 15% in Economic Times; up to 20% in Hindustan Times
- Effective date
- January 1, 2027
- Fleet
- 45 aircraft
- Pilots
- More than 800
- Minimum annual leave
- 42 days, according to Hindustan Times
- Planes on order
- 181