Akasa Air Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer Praveen Iyer Resigns
In a significant management shake-up, Akasa Air has lost another of its founding members. Praveen Iyer, who served as the airline's Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and was a key co-founder, has officially resigned from his position. This departure marks the second high-profile exit from the airline's leadership team within a short span of time.
Second Co-Founder Exit in Recent Months
Earlier this year, Neelu Khatri, another co-founder responsible for overseeing international operations, also stepped down from her role. The consecutive resignations of two founding executives have raised questions about the internal dynamics and strategic direction of the young airline as it navigates a critical growth phase.
In response to Iyer's departure, Akasa Air has moved swiftly to fill the leadership vacuum. The company has appointed its Chief Information Officer to take over as the new head of commercial operations. This internal promotion suggests a strategy of leveraging existing talent to maintain continuity, though it represents a notable shift in the commercial leadership structure.
Timing Coincides with Fleet Expansion Plans
The resignations come at a pivotal moment for Akasa Air. After a prolonged delay, the airline is finally beginning to receive new aircraft from Boeing, which could enable a significant scaling up of its fleet throughout this year. Currently operating a fleet of 33 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the airline has ambitious plans to expand its network and capacity.
Akasa Air commenced commercial operations in August 2022 and has quickly established itself as a notable player in India's competitive aviation market. The loss of key founding members during this expansion phase presents both challenges and opportunities for the airline's management as they steer the company toward its next growth milestones.
