Akasa Air Hikes Pilot Salaries by Up to 20%, Increases Annual Leave to 42 Days

Akasa Air will increase pilot salaries by up to 20 per cent, raise minimum protected flying hours to 50 per month and provide at least 42 days of annual leave from January 1, 2027, as the airline expands its fleet and route network, according to sources.

The revised compensation structure will cover fixed salaries and hourly payouts. Under the standard work pattern, pilots will receive guaranteed payment for a minimum of 50 flying hours each month, even if their actual flying hours are lower.

The airline will also introduce additional work-schedule options, including the ‘25/9’ and ‘6-2-6-3’ patterns. Under the 25/9 arrangement, pilots will work for 25 days and receive nine guaranteed days off in a month. The other pattern includes six working days followed by two days off, then another six working days followed by three days off.

The minimum annual leave entitlement will rise to 42 days, with the possibility of additional leave depending on the flexible work pattern selected. Pilots will also remain eligible for loyalty rewards and the previously announced Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), in addition to the revised compensation package.

Captain Sanket Limaye, Akasa Air’s Director of Flight Operations, informed pilots about the changes during an internal meeting on Wednesday, sources said. The airline had not commented on the revisions at the time of reporting.

The changes come amid continuing discussions in the aviation sector over Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and concerns about pilot fatigue. The regulatory framework governs flight and duty periods and rest requirements for flight crew.

Akasa Air currently operates 45 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and has more than 800 pilots. It plans to establish additional pilot bases in Kochi and Kolkata, alongside its existing main bases in Bengaluru and Mumbai, as it adds aircraft and routes.

The airline began commercial operations in August 2022. Its revised pay structure and roster options are scheduled to take effect at the start of 2027.