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Akasa and Air India trapped by US seat certification delays leaving planes grounded
Economy
Published on 24 April 2026
Ready aircraft still can’t fly because US seat tests drag
Akasa planned to expand its fleet to 35–40 by March but is stuck at about 30. Air India faces similar disruption as aircraft delivery timelines slip. The bigger issue: even when planes are prepared for delivery, their seats must be certified by a US aviation regulator, a process that can take up to 18 months, delaying operations.
- Akasa’s fleet growth stalled at around 30 despite expansion targets
- Air India’s deliveries are delayed alongside broader regulatory friction
- US seat certification can take up to 18 months for clearance
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times