Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, has announced the appointment of Belson Coutinho as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective January 6, 2025. This strategic leadership move comes as the airline accelerates its journey toward becoming one of the top 30 global airlines by the end of the decade.
In his new role, Coutinho will oversee several key operational functions critical to the airline’s success. His responsibilities will include Inflight Services, Airport Services, Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Operations, the Integrated Operations Control Center (IOCC), and Operational Excellence. Additionally, he will spearhead the Akasa Air Learning Academy, focusing on fostering talent and enhancing operational capabilities across the organization.
With more than two decades of experience in the aviation industry, Coutinho is a seasoned professional known for delivering innovative, industry-first initiatives that have shaped Indian aviation. His strong operational acumen, strategic insight, and leadership expertise are expected to play a pivotal role in driving Akasa Air’s ambitious growth plans and reinforcing its reputation as a customer-centric airline.
As Akasa Air continues to expand its network and scale its operations, Coutinho’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence and its vision of redefining air travel for passengers worldwide.
Commenting on the appointment, Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air, said, “We are delighted to have Belson step into the role of Akasa Air’s Chief Operating Officer. Belson’s multifaceted 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.”
Belson Coutinho has been an integral member of Akasa Air’s executive committee since its inception in 2022. Before stepping into his current role as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Coutinho served as Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in defining the airline’s vision and laying the groundwork for its remarkable growth trajectory. Coutinho was instrumental in crafting Akasa Air’s brand identity, spearheading innovative customer-centric initiatives, and establishing a strong operational foundation. His leadership has been central to the airline’s rapid ascent in the highly competitive aviation sector.
Since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air has rapidly become a preferred carrier in India, thanks to its operational efficiency and overwhelmingly positive customer feedback. The airline has successfully served over 14 million passengers and continues to expand its reach.
Currently, Akasa Air connects 22 domestic and five international destinations, showcasing its robust network. Its domestic destinations include major cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur.
On the international front, Akasa Air extends its services to key global cities, including Doha (Qatar), Jeddah, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE), and Kuwait City (Kuwait). This growing network reflects the airline’s commitment to providing seamless travel experiences across diverse geographies.
