Akasa Air has appointed Belson Coutinho as its Chief Operating Officer, tasked with overseeing the airline's critical operational functions as it aims to become one of the top 30 global airlines by the end of the decade.

In his new role, Belson will manage Inflight Services, Airport Services, Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Operations, IOCC, and Operational Excellence, while also leading the Akasa Air Learning Academy. With more than 20 years of experience in aviation, Belson has led several pioneering initiatives in the Indian aviation sector, backed by his expertise in operations, strategy, and leadership.

Commenting on the appointment, Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, of 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 has been a key member of Akasa Air's executive committee since its founding in 2022. Before taking on the role of Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, he served as Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, where he played a pivotal role in defining the brand’s vision, driving innovative customer-focused initiatives, and establishing a solid foundation for the airline's remarkable growth.