Akasa Air, India’s youngest budget carrier, has successfully completed a ₹1,200 crore (~$125 million) funding round, bringing in strategic investors including Premji Invest, 360 ONE Asset, Claypond Capital, and additional capital from the Jhunjhunwala family. This infusion marks a major milestone in the airline’s ambitious growth trajectory.
Funding Details & Strategic Backing
- Investment Amount: Approximately ₹1,200 crore, according to multiple credible reports.
- Key Investors:
- Premji Invest (Azim Premji’s investment arm)
- Claypond Capital (Ranjan Pai’s family office)
- 360 ONE Asset (wealth and asset management firm)
- Jhunjhunwala family (existing major stakeholder)
- Regulatory Clearance: The deal, initially announced in February 2025, has now been finalized with all approvals in place. The Economic Times
Growth Vision: Scale, Safety & International Reach
Akasa Air plans to deploy the capital toward:
- Fleet Expansion: Increasing aircraft count to support domestic and international growth.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Upgrading safety, reliability, and technology infrastructure.
- Global Ambitions: Targeting a position among the top 30 airlines in the world by 2030.
Financial Backdrop & Industry Context
- Losses Persist: Despite growing revenues, Akasa posted a net loss of ₹1,983 crore in FY 25 and ₹1,670 crore in FY 24, highlighting the high-cost nature of airline operations.
- Well-Capitalized Status: The funding strengthens Akasa’s financial foundation, positioning it for resilience amid industry volatility.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | ₹1,200 crore (~$125 million) |
| Investors | Premji Invest, Claypond Capital, 360 ONE Asset, Jhunjhunwala family |
| Use of Funds | Fleet expansion, customer experience, safety, global scaling |
| Strategic Goal | Become a top-30 global airline by 2030 |
| Financial Outlook | Heavy losses, but well-capitalized and poised for growth |
Final Thoughts
With this new ₹1,200 crore infusion, Akasa Air strengthens its war chest to fuel growth—expanding its fleet, enhancing safety, and charting a course for global recognition. Despite significant financial losses, the alignment of prestigious investors underscores confidence in Akasa’s vision and long-term potential.
