On its fourth anniversary, Akasa Air launched 'Akasa Elevate', its first loyalty programme offering four membership tiers based on flight frequency or spending thresholds. The revenue-based rewards system incentivizes direct bookings, covers ancillary purchases, and provides elite benefits such as fee-free flight changes and priority travel services.
MUMBAI — Indian carrier Akasa Air officially launched its first customer loyalty programme, named 'Akasa Elevate', on Friday, August 7, 2026, marking the airline’s fourth anniversary since commencing commercial operations. The revenue-based rewards platform allows passengers to earn and redeem points across eligible flight bookings and ancillary services, including seat selection, baggage, and onboard meals. Launched as the carrier expands its fleet and route network, the strategic initiative aims to strengthen customer retention, build brand stickiness, and capture a larger market share among frequent corporate and leisure travelers across India and international destinations.
Revenue-Based Rewards Structure and Membership Tiers
According to company statements, the Akasa Elevate programme is structured around four distinct membership tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Enrolment in the base Bronze tier is free and automatic upon registration, enabling members to earn eight Elevate Points for every Rs 100 spent on eligible flights and add-on purchases. Members who book directly through Akasa Air's website or mobile application receive an additional bonus of four Elevate Points per Rs 100 spent.
The airline has established dual qualification metrics for tier advancement, allowing members to upgrade through either cumulative annual spending or the number of completed flights. Silver status requires Rs 75,000 in eligible spend or six completed flights, offering an earning rate of 10 points per Rs 100. Gold status requires Rs 1.25 lakh in spend or 15 flights (12 points per Rs 100), while the top-tier Platinum status requires Rs 2.5 lakh in spend or 30 flights, yielding 14 points per Rs 100. Platinum members booking directly can earn up to 18 Elevate Points per Rs 100 spent.
Differentiating Features and Enhanced Travel Flexibility
Industry analysts note that Akasa Elevate introduces several features designed to differentiate it from traditional carrier rewards platforms. In a departure from standard airline practices, elite-tier members will continue to receive status benefits even when tickets are purchased through third-party travel agents or online travel portals rather than direct channels.
To mark the launch, the airline introduced a limited-time retrospective claim feature, allowing members to retroactively claim reward points for flights completed between April 1, 2026, and August 7, 2026. Additionally, eligible upper-tier members gain access to fee-free same-day flight changes via the 'GetEarly' service, enabling passengers arriving early at the airport to switch to an earlier flight departing within 12 hours without paying change fees, subject to seat availability.
Upper-tier benefits also feature progressive discounts and waivers. Gold members receive a 50 percent discount on seat selection, priority services, and booking cancellation fees, alongside a waived flight change fee and an extra 5 kg baggage allowance. Platinum members receive complimentary seat selection, complimentary priority handling, waived cancellation and change fees, and additional baggage allowances.
Strategic Growth and Market Positioning
The launch of the loyalty initiative comes as Akasa Air completes four years of commercial flying. Since taking to the skies on August 7, 2022, the airline has built a fleet of 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, serving 29 domestic and seven international destinations, while carrying nearly 30 million passengers. The airline maintains an order book of 226 aircraft to fuel future expansion.
The move follows a broader trend in the Indian aviation market, where carriers are increasingly leveraging loyalty initiatives to secure repeat corporate business and improve revenue yields. As Indian aviation shifts toward premiumization, loyalty programs provide airlines with high-margin revenue streams through potential future credit card partnerships and bank alliances.
Official Sources Section
According to official releases from Akasa Air, the Akasa Elevate programme was engineered to deliver personalized recognition, flexible redemptions, and enhanced value across all customer touchpoints. Company filings confirm that the loyalty system covers ancillary products like Café Akasa meals and baggage add-ons in addition to base airfares.
Quote Section
"According to officials from Akasa Air, as the airline enters its fifth year of operations, the focus remains on disciplined growth, operational excellence, employee-centric culture, and delivering differentiated travel experiences through the new loyalty platform."
"Industry experts stated that offering status benefits on third-party bookings and fee-free same-day flight changes positions Akasa Elevate as a highly competitive option for frequent corporate and business travellers."
Why It Matters
The introduction of Akasa Elevate highlights the intensifying competition in the Indian domestic aviation sector beyond base fare pricing. By rewarding both ticket spend and ancillary purchases, Akasa Air aims to increase passenger retention, drive direct website bookings, and establish a foundation for co-branded financial products as its fleet expands toward international markets.
Key Facts at a Glance
Programme Launch: Akasa Air officially launched 'Akasa Elevate' on August 7, 2026, coinciding with its fourth anniversary.
Tier Architecture: Features four tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—accessible via spending thresholds or segment counts.
Direct Booking Incentive: Members earn an additional four Elevate Points per Rs 100 on direct website and app bookings.
Retroactive Claims: Passengers can claim points for eligible flights taken between April 1, 2026, and August 7, 2026.
Airline Operational Scale: Akasa Air currently operates 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft across 36 domestic and international routes.
FAQ Section
How do passengers join the Akasa Elevate loyalty programme?
Joining Akasa Elevate is free and open to anyone aged 18 and above through the official Akasa Air website or mobile app, with automatic assignment to the Bronze tier upon enrolment.
Can members earn points on ancillary services like meals and baggage?
Yes. Members earn Elevate Points on base fares as well as eligible add-on purchases, including Café Akasa meals, seat selection, and excess baggage fees.
Are tier benefits valid if flights are booked through travel agents?
Yes. Unlike many traditional airline programs, elite-tier members retain status benefits even when tickets are booked via third-party travel agencies or online travel portals.
Source: Akasa Air Official Loyalty Portal, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation
