The Ministry of Civil Aviation has given a no objection certificate (NOC) for the operation of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed new airline ‘Akasa Air’ in India, a company statement said on Monday.
Vinay Dube, CEO of Akasa Air said: “We are extremely happy and grateful to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for their support and for granting the NOC. We will continue to work with the regulatory authorities on all additional compliance required to successfully launch Akasa Air.”
Akasa Air said it has plans to take to the skies in the summer of 2022.
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Vinay Dube further said, “At Akasa Air, we believe having a robust air transportation system is critical for our nation’s progress. It is this belief that has motivated us to create a modern, efficient and quality-conscious airline.”
Dube added: “Moreover, Akasa Air will serve all Indians regardless of their socio-economic or cultural backgrounds with warmth, inclusiveness and respect. Because at the end of the day, it is these qualities that connect people and cultures and help Indians realise their dreams.”
Akasa Air is expected to be an ultra low-cost airline, funded by stock marketeer Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and former Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube.
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In an interview a few months ago, Jhunjhunwala said he will be investing $35 million in the new airline that hopes to have 70 aircraft in its fleet within the next four years.
Former president of Indigo, Aditya Ghosh, who has joined hands with Rakesh Jhunjhunwala to join team Akasa Air tweeted on Monday: “Many congratulations to Vinay Dube and Team Akasa on receiving NOC from MOCA as it embarks on its journey to offer Indian flyers a warm, efficient, reliable and affordable travel experience with an endeavour to be the nation’s most dependanle, affordable and greenest airline”.
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