Akasa Air appoints marketing veteran Belson Coutinho as its chief operating officer

Akasa Air on Tuesday announced the appointment of its co-founder and marketing veteran Belson Coutinho as its Chief Operating Officer from January 6.

Coutinho, who has been with Akasa Air since its inception in 2022, will oversee key operational functions, including inflight services, airport operations, maintenance, flight operations, and the airline’s operations control centre. He will also lead the Akasa Air Learning Academy, the company said in a statement.

“We are delighted to have Belson step into the role of COO,” said Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Akasa Air. “His deep operational expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence make him uniquely equipped to lead our operational teams as we scale our business and strive for global recognition.”

Coutinho, a co-founder of Akasa Air, previously served as Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, where he was instrumental in shaping the airline’s customer-focused vision and laying the groundwork for its rapid expansion.

His appointment comes at a time when Akasa Air is under regulatory lens for certain alleged safety norm violations and lapses.

Late last month, aviation safety regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the suspension of its two senior executives –director of operations and director of training– for six months for alleged lapses in pilot training.

On Monday, the DGCA relieved one of its pilots from training over landing lapses.

The airline, which launched operations in August 2022, has transported over 14 million passengers and currently serves 27 destinations, including five international cities. Akasa began international operations in March 2024 and now operates flights to Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait City.

Akasa Air has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability, operating the youngest and greenest fleet in India with 26 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient, LEAP-1B engines.

The low-cost carrier is seeking to further expand its reach and operational efficiencies as it competes in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.