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