15 Jan 2026
#2 January 2026: India Aviation Newsletter
Akasa Air Joins IATA
Akasa Air has announced that it has become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), joining over 360 global carriers that collectively account for more than 80% of worldwide air traffic. This membership is a significant milestone in Akasa’s growth, enabling the airline to actively participate in industry-wide dialogues, contribute to best practice developments, and collaborate on initiatives related to safety, digital transformation, and sustainability. Akasa Air Founder and CEO Vinay Dube said, “IATA plays a central role in shaping the aviation ecosystem globally, and our membership underscores our commitment to growth, operational excellence, and sustainability.” Through this association, Akasa aims to strengthen its global credibility and align itself with the highest industry standards.
IndiGo Welcomes India’s First Airbus A321XLR
IndiGo became the first Indian airline to induct the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet, marking a key milestone in its international expansion. The long-range aircraft arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, on 7 January 2026, and will soon operate non-stop services between Mumbai and Athens, and Delhi and Athens, starting on 23 and 24 January 2026, respectively. IndiGo has a firm order for 40 A321XLRs, with nine aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026. CEO Pieter Elbers said, “This advanced aircraft will help us reach new regions globally and enhance India’s role in international aviation.” IndiGo’s new long-haul capabilities are expected to redefine travel between India and global destinations, combining fuel efficiency, performance, and an enhanced cabin experience.
MoCA Establishes Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR)
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), under the leadership of Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, has announced the establishment of a 24x7 Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) to address passenger grievances and crisis management effectively. PACR, integrated with the AirSewa system, will provide real-time monitoring, case management, and swift coordination between airlines and stakeholders to resolve issues quickly. Over 13,000 grievances have been addressed since the PACR began operations on 3 December 2025, demonstrating the system's capacity for swift, data-driven resolution and its commitment to enhancing passenger experience.
Acumen’s Take
On Akasa Air Joining IATA
Akasa Air’s IATA membership marks a key step in its international journey. By joining this influential body, Akasa gains access to global best practices while demonstrating its readiness to compete on the world stage. The membership also positions the airline for greater regulatory alignment and operational cohesion with international standards.
On IndiGo’s Airbus A321XLR Arrival
The introduction of the A321XLR is a game-changer for IndiGo, providing the airline with the ability to operate longer routes with higher efficiency. This move not only opens new international markets but also showcases IndiGo’s long-term commitment to fleet modernisation and its ambition to become a global player in the long-haul sector.
On MoCA’s Passenger Assistance Control Room
MoCA’s PACR initiative enhances India’s aviation infrastructure by providing a centralised, efficient platform for resolving passenger issues. The integration of AirSewa and real-time monitoring significantly improves customer satisfaction and demonstrates India’s commitment to becoming a leader in customer service excellence within the global aviation landscape.
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