Rakesh Jhunjhunwala bet big on Akasa, said its take-off changed the game

In his last public appearance, the ace investor gave India's aviation the lift-off it needed

Barely a week before his demise, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala took centre stage at the launch of Akasa Air. Wheelchair-bound but full of beans, Jhunjhunwala interacted with passengers before the airline’s maiden flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad.

“We are not a low-cost airline. We are a frugal airline. We would like to save money wherever possible,” he told fellow passengers last Sunday, expressing hope that Akasa Air would offer comfortable service.

“We have changed the game. Seeing our aircraft seats, IndiGo ordered new ones,” Jhunjhunwala had quipped, drawing titters from co-passengers and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Jhunjhunwala infused over Rs 260 crore into Akasa