Praveen Iyer, co-founder of Akasa Air, has resigned from his role with immediate effect, the airline confirmed on Monday. His departure comes as the carrier continues to expand its presence in India’s competitive low-cost aviation sector.
Since co-founding Akasa Air in 2021, Iyer has been pivotal in shaping the airline’s operational and commercial framework. He oversaw regulatory approvals, established key systems, and forged strategic partnerships across fleet management, infrastructure, and service operations. His guidance helped translate the airline’s vision into tangible growth during its early years.
Under Iyer’s stewardship, Akasa Air expanded its domestic network to over 20 destinations and strengthened its fleet through additional aircraft acquisitions. He was responsible for route planning, regulatory compliance, staffing, and liaison with government authorities, ensuring the airline operated efficiently and met stringent safety and operational standards.
Reflecting on Iyer’s contribution, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Vinay Dube said: “Praveen has been instrumental in shaping not only Akasa’s commercial vision but the airline itself, translating ambition into sustained growth. He has built a resilient commercial organisation, mentored future leaders, and established partnerships that continue to support our network expansion and revenue strategy. I am deeply grateful for his counsel and dedication, and I wish him and his family every success.”
In a related announcement, Akasa Air confirmed that Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer Anand Srinivasan will assume the role of Chief Commercial Officer. Dube described Srinivasan’s appointment as a natural progression, noting the depth of leadership talent within the airline.
Anand has been one of the early architects of Akasa, with expertise in commercial strategy and revenue management systems. His ability to combine technology and commercial insight is critical as we enter the next phase of growth,” Dube said.
Srinivasan, who has over 25 years of experience in aviation and technology across India and international markets, has been central to developing Akasa’s in-house revenue management platform and other industry-first solutions. Commenting on his new responsibilities, he said: “I look forward to building on Akasa’s strong commercial foundation, delivering sustained growth, and creating long-term value for customers as we scale. The team we have built is exceptional, and I am excited for the journey ahead.”
Despite the leadership change, Akasa Air emphasised that its expansion plans remain on track, with ongoing recruitment, fleet growth, and new route launches set to continue. |
