Mumbai: Akasa Air has announced the appointment of Belson Coutinho as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. With over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, Belson is set to lead the airline’s critical operational functions as it accelerates toward its goal of becoming one of the top 30 airlines globally by 2030.
In his new capacity, Belson will oversee Inflight Services, Airport Services, Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Operations, the Integrated Operations Control Center (IOCC), and Operational Excellence. Additionally, he will spearhead the Akasa Air Learning Academy, which focuses on fostering talent and training within the aviation sector.
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 Chief Operating Officer. His extensive experience, coupled with his passion for service excellence and innovation, equips him to bring tremendous value to this position. We are confident that under his leadership, Akasa Air will continue to strengthen its operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and achieve new milestones in our journey to becoming a world-class airline.”
Belson Coutinho has been an integral part of Akasa Air since its inception in 2022, serving as Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer. During this time, he played a pivotal role in defining the airline’s brand vision, implementing innovative customer-centric initiatives, and building a strong foundation for the company’s rapid growth.
Under Belson’s leadership, Akasa Air has achieved significant operational efficiencies and garnered exceptional customer feedback, positioning itself as a preferred carrier in India. Since its launch in August 2022, the airline has served over 14 million passengers and expanded its network to 27 cities, including five international destinations: Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait City.
