Mumbai-based Akasa Air has been admitted to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global trade body representing 360 airlines. The announcement on 9 January marks a milestone for India’s youngest airline, founded in 2020 with funding from the late investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala.
IATA membership grants Akasa access to settlement systems, global safety audits and the industry’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) standards. For corporate travel managers in India, the immediate benefit will be smoother interline agreements and through-check-in with foreign carriers once bilateral deals are signed. Akasa has already applied to launch flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Doha in the summer schedule.
![Akasa Air Joins IATA, Becomes India’s Fifth Member Carrier]()
Analysts say the move strengthens India’s aviation footprint just as outbound business travel rebounds to 92 percent of pre-pandemic levels. With Akasa planning a fleet of 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets by 2028, IATA procedures will facilitate code-shares, cargo alliances and participation in carbon-offset programmes—important for multinationals tracking Scope 3 emissions.
For expatriate assignments, Akasa’s expansion should increase seat supply on secondary India–Gulf and India–Southeast Asia routes, potentially lowering travel costs for relocating employees and project teams.
IATA membership grants Akasa access to settlement systems, global safety audits and the industry’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) standards. For corporate travel managers in India, the immediate benefit will be smoother interline agreements and through-check-in with foreign carriers once bilateral deals are signed. Akasa has already applied to launch flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Doha in the summer schedule.
Analysts say the move strengthens India’s aviation footprint just as outbound business travel rebounds to 92 percent of pre-pandemic levels. With Akasa planning a fleet of 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets by 2028, IATA procedures will facilitate code-shares, cargo alliances and participation in carbon-offset programmes—important for multinationals tracking Scope 3 emissions.
For expatriate assignments, Akasa’s expansion should increase seat supply on secondary India–Gulf and India–Southeast Asia routes, potentially lowering travel costs for relocating employees and project teams.
Source: The Economic Times
