New Delhi. 04 June 2024. Modern day travellers are seeking a holistic travel experience, inclining towards environment friendly options to travel. Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Akasa Air’s values and the airline demonstrates its commitment to preserving the environment in every area possible from its choice of aircraft, products and services, in-flight, on-ground, office premises and in its engagement with partners.
Akasa Air’s belief in a holistic and action-oriented approach has prompted it to introduce several initiatives to reduce environmental impact and offer passengers an environmentally progressive travel experience since its inception.
A key decision taken by the airline was to move away from the ceremonial water canon salutes at flight and route inaugurations to manage water wastage, saving approximately 3,36,000 litres of water to date.
A sustainable fleet management strategy to lower environmental impact
The brand new 737 MAX fleet supports Akasa Air’s mission to become an environmentally progressive company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and incorporating advanced technology winglets, the 737 MAX offers excellent economics, reducing fuel use and emissions by 20 per cent compared to the airplanes it replaces. Moreover, the Boeing 737 is a quieter aircraft, creating a 50 per cent smaller noise footprint and offering 20 per cent lower airframe maintenance costs.
A first-of-its-kind crew uniform with an equal focus on sustainability and comfort
Akasa Air firmly embraces recycling techniques, and this was a key consideration while designing their uniforms. The trousers and jacket fabric of the airline’s crew uniform is specially developed for Akasa using recycled polyester fabric made from pet bottle plastic salvaged from marine waste. Moreover, no plastic has been used in the manufacturing of crew shoes, instead, the shoe sole is made from recycled rubber.
Sustainable packaging in airline’s in-flight dining service, Café Akasa
Packaging for all perishable meals is 100 per cent recyclable and made from paper which is ethically sourced from sustainably grown crops. All packaging is manufactured without any bleach or other optical brightening agents (OBA) chemicals. The wooden cutlery on board is also biodegradable. Moreover, perishables are served to passengers only against pre-booked orders to reduce food wastage on flights whereas non-perishables with longer shelf life are available for instant orders.
Use of responsible practices and waste management
With respect to sustainable waste disposal methods, since its inception, Akasa Air has been industry-leading in instituting best practices in waste management across operations with the usage of biodegradable bags and waste management products. The plastic zip lock bag being used for the Café Akasa menu has been discontinued. All offices, stations and training centres are administratively guided by sustainable processes such as cutting down paper and single-use plastic, using LED lighting and using reusable products in common areas such as pantries.
Akasa Air is committed to its agenda of being the most environmentally progressive airline and shall continue to introduce many more initiatives to continue making strides in this mission.