‘A colossal loss’: Air India's message to Akasa Air on Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's demise

Jhunjhunwala was among the co-founders of Akasa, India's newest airline, which commenced operations on August 7.

Updated on: Aug 14, 2022, 12:12:45 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Tata Sons-owned Air India on Sunday sent its condolences to India's newest airline, Akasa Air, after one of its co-founders, billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, passed away at the age of 62 in Mumbai.

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala (twitter.com/airindiain)

Also Read | Rakesh Jhunjhunwala: The 'Big Bull', Akasa Air co-founder | 5 things to know

“Deeply saddened to hear the shocking news of the passing away of Shri Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. Our sincere condolences to his family members and to the entire Akasa Air family. May God give them the strength to tide over this colossal loss,” Air India said on Twitter.

Jhunjhunwala passed away exactly a week after Akasa commenced its commercial operations, with the budget carrier's maiden flight operating between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. At the inauguration of the said flight, the stock market ace made what turned out to be his last public appearance, reported Hindustan Times' sister publication Live Hindustan.

Also Read | Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s legacy made richer with Akasa Air, India’s newest airline

On August 12, the airline launched services on its second route, between Bengaluru and Kochi.

Also Read | 5 quotes by 'India's Warren Buffet' Rakesh Jhunjhunwala to inspire investors

Meanwhile, Vinay Dube, CEO, Akasa Air, said the company was ‘deeply saddened’ by the untimely demise of a man often described as India's very own Warren Buffet.

Also Read | PM Modi leads tributes for Rakesh Jhunjhunwala: ‘Indomitable, insightful’

“We at Akasa cannot thank Mr Jhunjhunwala enough for being an early believer in us and putting his trust and faith in us to build a world-class airline. Mr Jhunjhunwala had an invincible spirit, was deeply passionate about everything Indian and cared greatly for the well-being of our employees and customers. Akasa Air will honour Mr Jhunjhunwala’s legacy, values and belief in us by striving to run a great airline,” Dube said in a statement.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with the latest Business News, stock market updates, petrol and diesel prices, gold and silver rates, income tax updates and major developments from India and across the world.