New Delhi: There’s good news for animal lovers. Very soon, they will be able to travel with their pets in a private domestic airline.
Come November 1, Akasa Air — which started commercial operations two months ago — will allow passengers to take their domesticated cats and dogs on flights.
Bookings will begin from October 15.
One pet — weighing up to 7 kg — per passenger will be allowed on board.
“We will now allow pets on board on Akasa fights as part of our commitment to creating an inclusive travel experience. In our first phase of pet policy, we will allow domesticated cats and dogs. We will progressively enhance our pet policy going forward,” Akasa Air Co-Founder (with the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala) and CMO Belson Coutinho said.
Air India, which has been taken over by Tata, was the only airline in India which allowed passengers to carry pets till now.
Akasa Air, which currently has a fleet of six aircraft, plan to add an aircraft every 15 days.
“We are on target to receive 18 aircraft in total by the end of this financial year, 72 in 5 years,” CEO Vinay Dube said.
Dube expressed satisfaction on the airline’s performance in the first 60 days.
“We are very happy, satisfied with our performance.. We are on track as per plans,” he said at a press conference on Thursday.
Akasa Air Pet Policy
* Pets weighing upto 7 kg allowed on board
* 7-35 kg: To be checked in at airport
* 35-100 kg: To be checked in at cargo terminal
* Charges for each category to be announced shortly.
