Akasa Air Faces Turbulence: Boeing Delays Ground Pilots, Spark Internal Frustration

Mumbai-based Akasa Air is grappling with mounting frustration as Boeing’s delayed plane deliveries disrupt operations, leaving hundreds of pilots grounded and executives scrambling to manage the fallout. The low-cost carrier, which began operations three years ago, currently operates a fleet of 27 planes but has 226 Boeing 737 MAX jets on order. Delivery setbacks — caused by regulatory scrutiny after last year’s mid-air cabin panel blowout and a seven-week workers’ strike — have stalled the airline’s expansion plans.

In a private town hall with pilots in February, top Akasa executives voiced rare, candid criticism of Boeing. Priya Mehra, Akasa’s chief of strategic acquisitions, referred to the U.S. planemaker as the “elephant in the room,” while co-founder Aditya Ghosh remarked that Boeing was “retarding our speed.” CEO Vinay Dube lamented the operational strain, saying, “We just don’t have enough aircraft to fly … nobody wants to sit at home and twiddle their thumbs.”

Akasa’s pilot roster has swelled to 775, but only 465 are currently flying, leaving 310 pilots idle due to the aircraft shortage. With pilots earning between $35,000 and $111,000 annually for 40 flying hours a month, grounded pilots are facing stalled careers and financial strain. One anonymous pilot said, “I am making peanuts sitting at home,” while quitting remains difficult due to a $41,700 training bond.

The delivery delays have impacted Akasa’s growth trajectory in India’s booming aviation market. The airline’s revenue quadrupled to $356 million last year, but losses widened to $194 million. Akasa had projected a fleet of 72 aircraft by March 2027, but current estimates suggest it will only have around 54 by October 2026.

In an attempt to manage idle resources, Akasa even offered pilots the option to diversify their skills into “information technology” and “maintenance and engineering,” though this came with no additional pay. Meanwhile, Akasa maintains that it is in “continuous discussions with Boeing” and is “fully aligned with the steps they are taking to enhance quality and streamline resources.”

As the delays persist, Akasa’s ambitions are hanging in the balance, with the fate of its pilots and expansion plans closely tied to Boeing’s recovery. The airline remains optimistic, banking on new capital from billionaire Azim Premji’s investment arm and the family of its late backer Rakesh Jhunjhunwala to weather the storm.