Indian low-fare carrier Akasa Air announced a firm order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX jets at WINGS India 2024. This latest order comprises 737 MAX 10s and 737 MAX 8s and will see a steady delivery stream of aircraft up to 2032.
Akasa Air has now become the first Indian operator to reach an orderbook of over 200 aircraft within 17 months of commencing operations.
Vinay Dube, founder and CEO of Akasa Air, said he was “confident” in the airline’s ability to serve thousands of travellers, with this aircraft order adding a boost to the next stage of its international and domestic growth.
“This large and historic aircraft order puts Akasa on a path of becoming one of the top 30 leading airlines in the world by the turn of this decade. Akasa’s remarkable growth testifies to the sheer promise that India holds as an aviation market, and we are thrilled to be a part of this journey,” he added.
Expansion in India
Several other Indian carriers have made large aircraft orders in the last year, proving that operators in the area are hungry for domestic and international expansion. The most noteworthy of these is Indi-Go’s historic 500 Airbus A320 family order, announced at the Paris Air Show 2023. Akasa Air has now cemented its place firmly on this list.
The low-fare operator placed an initial order for 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2021, which was followed by an order for 4 737 MAX 8 jets in 2023. This latest order will take its order book to 226 aircraft. It currently operates 22 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with 104 expected for delivery over the next eight years.
Image credit: Akasa Air
