Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, January 2025, India — Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, has announced the appointment of Belson Coutinho as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 6, 2025. In his new capacity, Coutinho will oversee Inflight Services, Airport Services, Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Operations, IOCC, Operational Excellence, and spearhead the Akasa Air Learning Academy, as the airline continues its mission to become one of the top 30 global airlines by the end of the decade.
Bringing over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, Belson has been pivotal in delivering industry-first initiatives across Indian aviation, leveraging his operational, strategic, and leadership expertise.
Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, commented: “We are delighted to have Belson step into the role of Akasa Air’s Chief Operating Officer. Belson’s multi-faceted role over the years had him successfully collaborate with cross-functional teams across airline operations, developing a good understanding of the functioning of operational departments. His passion for brand building, service excellence, training, technology, processes, employee centricity, and sharp focus on cost leadership equips him to bring tremendous value to his new role as our COO. We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to enhance our operational efficiency, deliver on our values of service excellence, and make significant strides toward achieving our vision of becoming a world-class airline.”
Coutinho has been a key part of Akasa Air’s executive committee since its inception in 2022. Before his appointment as COO, he served as Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, where he played a significant role in shaping the brand’s customer-centric approach and building a foundation for unprecedented growth.
About Akasa Air
Akasa Air is India’s most dependable airline, known for warm customer service, operational reliability, and affordable fares. Launched in August 2022, it has rapidly expanded, serving over 14 million passengers and connecting 27 cities, including 22 domestic and 5 international destinations.
The airline commenced international operations in March 2024, becoming the first Indian carrier to fly overseas within 19 months of its launch. Akasa Air currently operates 26 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, emphasizing its commitment to being an environmentally progressive airline with one of the youngest and greenest fleets in Indian aviation.
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