Akasa Air Achieves IATA Membership Following Successful Safety Audit

1 min read     Updated on 09 Jan 2026, 07:01 PM
scanx
Reviewed by
Suketu GScanX News Team
Overview

Akasa Air has joined IATA after successfully completing the mandatory IATA Operational Safety Audit, marking a significant milestone for the airline that began operations in August 2022. The membership enables deeper engagement with international stakeholders and participation in safety management, digital transformation, and sustainable aviation initiatives. Operating 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with orders for 226 planes, Akasa Air has carried over 23 million passengers and serves 32 destinations across domestic and international routes.

29511072

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.

Akasa Air has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global trade body representing over 360 airlines that account for more than 80% of worldwide air traffic. This development marks an important achievement for the airline, which commenced operations in August 2022.

IATA Membership Requirements

Akasa Air's induction into IATA follows the successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), a mandatory prerequisite for IATA membership. The audit recognises adherence to internationally benchmarked operational and safety standards, demonstrating the airline's commitment to maintaining high safety protocols.

Achievement Details: Information
Membership Body: International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Audit Completed: IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)
Operations Start: August 2022
IATA Representation: Over 360 airlines, 80%+ of global air traffic

Industry Engagement and Benefits

IATA works with airlines, regulators, and industry partners to shape global aviation standards across areas such as safety, security, sustainability, technology, and operational efficiency. Membership allows airlines to participate in industry-wide dialogue and collaborate on best practices.

According to the release, Akasa Air's membership will enable deeper engagement with international stakeholders and participation in initiatives related to safety management, digital transformation, and sustainable aviation. This positions the airline to contribute to and benefit from global aviation industry developments.

Current Operations and Fleet

Akasa Air currently operates 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and has a firm order for 226 planes. Since its launch, the airline has carried over 23 million passengers and connects 26 domestic and six international destinations, demonstrating rapid growth in its operational footprint.

Operational Metrics: Details
Current Fleet: 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Firm Orders: 226 aircraft
Passengers Carried: Over 23 million (since launch)
Domestic Destinations: 26
International Destinations: 6

Industry Impact

Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific at IATA, highlighted India's aviation sector's significance, noting it supports 7.7 million jobs and contributes $53.60 billion to the economy. He added that the association looks forward to Akasa Air's participation in shaping industry priorities at regional and global levels, underscoring the strategic importance of the airline's membership for both IATA and India's aviation sector.

like15
dislike

Akasa Air Joins IATA as Member After Successfully Completing Mandatory Safety Audit

2 min read     Updated on 09 Jan 2026, 04:42 PM
scanx
Reviewed by
Shriram SScanX News Team
Overview

Akasa Air joined IATA as a member on January 9 after completing the mandatory IATA Operational Safety Audit, becoming part of a global association representing 360+ carriers and 80% of air traffic. The airline, founded in 2020 by Vinay Dube, operates 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft serving 26 domestic and 6 international destinations, joining four other Indian carriers in IATA membership.

29502737

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.

Akasa Air, India's youngest airline, announced on Friday, January 9, that it has joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a member after successfully completing the mandatory IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). The achievement marks a significant milestone for the airline, positioning it within the global aviation community.

IATA Membership Details

The airline secured IATA membership after successfully completing the IATA Operational Safety Audit, which serves as a mandatory requirement for airlines seeking to join the global aviation body. IATA operates as a trade association of the global airline industry, with current members accounting for 80% of global air traffic. The association was established in 1945 to support the development of commercial standards upon which the global air transport industry is built.

Parameter: Details
Total IATA Members: More than 360 carriers worldwide
Global Air Traffic Coverage: 80%
Indian Carriers in IATA: 4 airlines
Established: 1945

Indian Aviation Representation

Akasa Air now joins four other Indian carriers that are part of the IATA community, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. This membership provides the airline with representation alongside some of the biggest players in the international aviation industry.

"We are excited to welcome Akasa Air as an IATA member. India's aviation potential is huge, with the industry supporting 7.7 million jobs and USD 53.6 billion in economic contribution," said Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific for IATA.

Akasa Air Operations and Fleet

Founded in 2020 by aviation entrepreneur Vinay Dube, Akasa Air has steadily expanded its presence in the aviation sector. The airline currently operates with the following specifications:

Operational Details: Current Status
Fleet Size: 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Domestic Destinations: 26 cities
International Destinations: 6 cities
Founded: 2020
Founder and CEO: Vinay Dube

The airline serves a network spanning 26 destinations within India and six international cities, steadily expanding its footprint across key domestic routes while strengthening its presence in select overseas markets.

Investment and Financial Backing

Akasa Air has attracted significant investment from prominent investors. The late ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala had heavily backed the airline, investing almost $35 million for nearly 40% stake in the company. In recent developments, the airline attracted fresh investments from prominent institutional investors in 2025:

  • Premji Invest
  • 360 ONE Asset
  • Claypond Capital

According to Akasa Air Founder and CEO Vinay Dube, the IATA membership will strengthen the airline's global credibility and position it as a future-ready Indian airline on the world stage.

like19
dislike
More News on Akasa Air
Explore Other Articles