It is a happy Diwali for Akasa Air pilots, with the airline promising a salary hike of up to 20 per cent, more annual leave and better work schedules from January 1, 2027. At a time when the aviation industry is grappling with pilot availability and concerns over working hours, Akasa Air has a pleasant surprise in store for its pilots as it prepares to expand its fleet and route network.

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According to a PTI report, the revised benefits will include higher fixed salaries, increased hourly payments, guaranteed monthly flying hours and greater flexibility in choosing work schedules.

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More money and more time off

Under the revised compensation structure, pilots will receive salary increases of up to 20 per cent. The airline will also raise the minimum guaranteed monthly flying hours to 50 under the standard work pattern.

This means pilots will receive payment for at least 50 flying hours each month, even if they fly fewer hours during that period.

Annual leave entitlements will also improve. Pilots will be entitled to a minimum of 42 days of annual leave, with the possibility of additional leave depending on the work pattern they choose.

The revised package will also include loyalty rewards and the previously announced Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), offering pilots additional benefits beyond their regular compensation.

More choices in work schedules

Akasa Air is also introducing new work patterns to give pilots more flexibility in balancing their professional and personal lives.

Under the 25/9 arrangement, pilots will work for 25 days and receive nine guaranteed days off in a month. Another option, called the 6-2-6-3-6 pattern, involves six days of work followed by two days off, then six working days followed by three days off, and another six-day work period.

These options are intended to give pilots greater choice in managing their schedules and personal commitments.

Expansion brings more opportunities

The changes come as Akasa Air prepares for further growth. The four-year-old airline currently operates 45 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and has more than 800 pilots, according to the report.

It is also planning to establish pilot bases in Kochi and Kolkata, adding to its existing bases in Bengaluru and Mumbai. The expansion is expected to support the airline as it adds more routes and increases its operational capacity.

Akasa Air began commercial operations in August 2022 and is now entering its fifth year.

Pilot welfare remains in focus

The announcement comes with wider discussions in the aviation industry about pilot availability, fatigue and working conditions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the deadline for full implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules to March 31, 2027.

The revised rules provide for 48 hours of weekly rest for pilots, up from 36 hours, and introduce tighter restrictions on night operations to help address fatigue.

According to the report, Akasa Air Director of Flight Operations Captain Sanket Limaye informed pilots about the changes during an internal meeting on Wednesday. The airline had not issued a comment on the revisions at the time of reporting.

For Akasa Air pilots, the upcoming changes could mean a welcome combination of better pay, more leave and greater flexibility as the airline continues to grow.