Photos and videos from Akasa Air’s first flight, featuring Rakesh Jhunjhunwala

Akasa Air’s, the newest entrant to the Indian aviation sector, is backed by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. (Image credit: @mandar_bharde/Twitter)

Akasa Air, India's newest airline, took off on its inaugural flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad on August 7. Backed by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, it had received clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation exactly a month ago.

The airline's co-founder Vinay Dubey gave a speech at an inaugural ceremony held at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. 

#MumbaiAirport organized a grand ceremony to celebrate the launch of our new travel partner – @AkasaAir. It started with a welcome address by Mr. Vinay Dube (Founder & CEO, Akasa Air), along with the cake cutting. #GatewayToGoodness#CSMIApic.twitter.com/2TjmD49x2o

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— CSMIA (@CSMIA_Official) August 7, 2022

Meanwhile, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala joined other passengers on board Akasa Air's maiden flight.

So happy to be with Rakesh Ji on Akasa Air’s inaugural flight, Miles to go team Akasa ⁦@AkasaAir⁩ pic.twitter.com/RuTRo8MDS2

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— Mandar Anant Bharde (@mandar_bharde) August 7, 2022

Elated passengers shared photos and videos of their journey with the new airline.

#OurFirstAkasa ⁦⁦@AkasaAir⁩ QP1101 7Aug. Ahmedabad here we come pic.twitter.com/vqxK0iDKWJ

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— Belson Coutinho (@seancouto) August 7, 2022

The inaugural @AkasaAir flight from #Mumbai has landed into #Ahmedabad and while not everyone can be on the very first flight, here is a video of the take off from @CSMIA_Official
Do watch all 77 seconds of it cause you don't want to miss the celebration on wheels up.#AvGeekpic.twitter.com/PtONXfaomY

— VT-VLO (@Vinamralongani) August 7, 2022

Here is an adorable little passenger on the plane.

First Infant Passanger of @AkasaAir
Happy Flying Saachi ! pic.twitter.com/m563n1R6P4

— Sagar Khimani (@khimanisagar) August 7, 2022

Akasa Air was flagged off by Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. During its launch, the minister reflected on the troubles being faced by the aviation sector. 

"The sector across the world has been through a very trying time through the last decade or two," Scindia was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. "Many black swan events have turned the fate of this industry globally. Therefore, I say this is a new dawn in many ways for our sector in India." 

Akasa Air will have 26 weekly flights from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. From August  13, it  will operate 28 weekly flights from Bengaluru to Kochi. 

(With inputs from PTI)