Akasa Air has added Kolkata as the 17th destination in its fast expanding route network. The new service ensures that Kolkata will be well connected to Bengaluru and Guwahati, broadening the options for travellers to the east side of India.
The daily non-stop return flights are scheduled to begin May 18 2023 and have been assigned flight numbers QP1377 & 1371.
This new route will offer travellers the option to fly through Kolkata on the way to Guwahati, without the need to change aircraft.
| Flt. Number | From City (Airport) | Departure Time | To City(Airport) | Arrival Time | Operating Days | Non-stop/ Through |
| QP 1377 | Bengaluru | 14:30 | Kolkata | 17:15 | Daily | Non-stop |
| QP 1377 | Kolkata | 17:55 | Guwahati | 19:05 | Daily | Non-stop |
| QP 1371 | Guwahati | 19:45 | Kolkata | 21:10 | Daily | Non-stop |
| QP 1371 | Kolkata | 21:50 | Bengaluru | 00:15 | Daily | Non-stop |
India’s newest low cost airline operates a fleet of 19 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, and their main objective is to connect major cities with one another. Whilst continuing to offer flights between metropolitan and tier two/three cities throughout the country.
Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer for Akasa Air, Praveen Iyer explained what the addition of the Kolkata route brings to the airline by saying:
“As the fastest growing airline in the country we are thrilled to add Kolkata to our ever-expanding network and firmly establishing our presence in all metro cities of the country.”
“A uniquely important centre of history, art, and culture in India, Kolkata is a city that witnesses a lot of attraction from travellers. With these flights, Akasa’s network will connect major cities in East India with convenient flight timings providing enhanced connectivity on high-demand routes.”
“Having seamless connectivity coupled with the most affordable rates will further enhance travel and tourism in this city and we are excited for passengers to enjoy the Akasa experience.”
Consistent growth
In the seven months the carrier has been operational it has carried over one million passengers throughout its domestic network, however CEO Vinay Dube has this week reported that further ‘consistent’ growth is in the forefront of the companies mind.
An increase in route network and a growing fleet of aircraft also means that Akasa will need to increase the size of its workforce by 50%, taking them up to 3,000 by the end of March 2024. The recruitment drive aims to recruit 1,100 pilots and flight attendants.
Akasa Air is set to increase its current fleet from 19 to 28 within the next financial year and Dube suggested that the foundations are being set for the carrier to make its first endeavour into international travel.
International travel in the pipeline
Although overseas flight destinations are still yet to be decided upon, traffic rights in countries in both the east and the west are being looked at prior to putting together a flight proposal that works for both airport and airline.
Boeing 737 MAX number twenty will be flying overseas routes after the airline takes delivery of it in April 2023.
In an interview with the Economic Times, Dube explained that with a population of 30 million people and an expanding middle class demographic, Akasa does not need to worry about the flying rights on the popular India – Dubai route being exhausted.
Rather, the airline CEO says that there are 50 other cities they can look at to kickstart their overseas operation.
In addition to the firm order already placed with Boeing for 72 737 MAX family aircraft, the airline also has plans to place a ‘three digit’ aircraft order by the end of 2023.
