07 Aug 2025

#2 August 2025: India Aviation Newsletter

Akasa Air Collaborates with uppercase on Eco-Friendly Travel Gear for Cabin Crew

Akasa Air and uppercase—India’s only made-in-India lifestyle brand offering eco-friendly baggage solutions—have come together to launch a custom-designed cabin stroller and tote bag exclusively for Akasa Air’s cabin crew. The partnership brings together two homegrown Indian brands that share a common ethos of conscious innovation, employee-centric thinking, and a design-first approach rooted in sustainability.

Sustainability is central to this collaboration. Uppercase has manufactured the bags using RCS-certified recycled materials, designed to lower the carbon footprint. This approach reflects both brands’ commitment to responsible design and to making sustainability an integral part of everyday utility—without compromising on functionality or style.

Akasa Air Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Belson Coutinho, said:

"We're thrilled to partner with uppercase to introduce this new, custom-designed travel gear for our cabin crew. This initiative truly reflects our deep commitment to employee centricity. We've listened to our crew's needs and incorporated their inputs to ensure the bags are not only incredibly convenient and functional for their demanding roles, but also exude style and even a touch of fun. It's about empowering our crew with high-quality, sustainable gear that makes their journey comfortable and enjoyable—aligning perfectly with our progressive, employee-first approach at Akasa Air.”

IndiGo Celebrates 19 Years of Operations

IndiGo, marking 19 years of operations, announced several strategic developments as part of its journey to becoming a global airline. The carrier will be receiving five additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft this financial year under a damp-lease arrangement with Norse Atlantic Airways. This will enable IndiGo to launch new international routes while strengthening its existing long-haul network.

The airline also announced the launch of direct daily flights to London Heathrow starting 26 October 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. These flights will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

IndiGo will introduce its tailor-made business product, IndiGoStretch, on flights connecting Singapore to Delhi and Mumbai, operated by its two-class A321 aircraft. Similarly, IndiGoStretch will be introduced on Delhi–Dubai flights starting 30 August 2025, and on Mumbai–Dubai flights starting 03 September 2025.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said:

"As we celebrate IndiGo’s 19th anniversary, we are immensely proud of the journey we have had so far and equally excited about the way ahead. The love and support of millions of our customers, coupled with the shared passion and drive of more than 66,000 IndiGo employees, has fueled our flight towards new heights and across new frontiers. Today, we are delighted to announce our next strides in international markets, especially our daily, direct flights to London Heathrow. Looking ahead, we are hopeful to continue winning hearts and accolades in India as well as globally, as we expand our operations across the globe—one airport at a time.”

Acumen’s Take

On Akasa Air x uppercase Collaboration

This partnership highlights a growing trend in Indian aviation: the convergence of sustainability and employee experience. By equipping its crew with eco-conscious, functionally superior travel gear, Akasa reinforces its position as a forward-thinking airline. It also reflects a broader shift within the industry towards ESG-aligned brand values—a direction Acumen believes will be increasingly important for airline differentiation and investor interest going forward.

On IndiGo’s 19th Anniversary Expansion Strategy

IndiGo’s aggressive international push, backed by new widebody lease agreements and premium service enhancements, underscores its intent to become a truly global player. The airline’s entry into high-traffic routes like London Heathrow and its rollout of business-class offerings point to a diversification of its traditionally low-cost model. From a leasing and asset management perspective, this presents rising demand for long-haul capable aircraft and greater interest in flexible leasing strategies such as damp leases—a trend Acumen is closely monitoring in the Indian subcontinent.

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