Jhunjhunwala-backed Akasa Air, in a move to cement its position in the Indian aviation sector, has placed an ambitious order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The announcement was made on January 18 at the ‘Wings India’ airshow in Hyderabad, highlighting Akasa’s growth strategy for both domestic and international routes. This new fleet expansion is projected to enable the airline to establish service to nearby international destinations such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The order includes a combination of the 737 MAX 10 and 737 MAX 8-200 jets, which are renowned for their fuel efficiency and range capabilities, excluding the Max 9 variant mentioned in recent news for a mid-air cabin panel issue. Marking a record in Indian civil aviation, Akasa Air’s order book totals an impressive 226 aircraft within just 17 months of commencing operations, demonstrating the carrier’s robust financial standing and Boeing’s faith in its promising future.
Founded by former Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube, Akasa Air started its journey with an initial order of 72 Boeing 737 MAX jets. With a current fleet of 76 aircraft, the airline has achieved a four percent market share since it began operations in 2022. Its network spans 18 cities, including the high-traffic Mumbai-New Delhi route. With deliveries of the new aircraft planned through 2032, Akasa Air is set to broaden its horizon, boost its market presence against competitors like IndiGo and Tata Group’s airlines, and enhance its customer experience with the latest aviation technology.