Domestic airline Akasa Air announced on Tuesday that co-founder and marketing expert Belson Coutinho has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer, effective from January. In his new position, Belson will oversee various operational aspects, including:
- In-flight services
- Airport services
- Maintenance and engineering
- Flight operations
- Integrated Operations Command Centre (IOCC)
Additionally, he will lead the Akasa Air Learning Academy, as stated by the airline. Prior to this role, Coutinho served as Akasa Air’s Chief Marketing and Experience Officer (CMO and CXO). His extensive experience includes a tenure as Chief Marketing Officer at VFS Global, alongside various marketing roles at the now-defunct Jet Airways spanning over 26 years.
His appointment arrives during a critical period for Akasa Air, as the airline is currently under scrutiny from regulators for alleged violations of safety standards. Last month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a six-month suspension on two of Akasa Air’s senior executives—the director of operations and the director of training—for surmised pilot training lapses. Additionally, on Monday, the DGCA dismissed one of the airline’s pilots from training due to landing errors.
In recent months, the DGCA has issued multiple show-cause notices to Akasa Air for various alleged infractions. Notably, the agency fined the airline Rs 10 lakh last October for its failure to provide timely compensation to passengers denied boarding at Bangalore Airport in September.
With over 20 years of experience in the aviation sector, Belson has implemented several pioneering initiatives within Indian aviation, underpinned by his exceptional operational, strategic, and leadership skills. Akasa Air commented on his capabilities, stating, “Belson’s diverse experience has enabled him to work effectively with cross-functional teams throughout airline operations, providing him with a robust understanding of operational departments. His commitment to brand development, service excellence, training, technology, and employee centricity, along with a keen emphasis on cost leadership, positions him to significantly enhance our operations as COO,” said Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Akasa Air.
Belson has been a vital member of Akasa Air’s executive committee since its establishment in 2022, according to the airline’s announcement.