Akasa Air Boosts Fleet with 150 New Boeing 737 MAX Jets

Boeing and Akasa Air announced a significant expansion of their partnership with Akasa Air's new order for 150 737 MAX jets at the Wings India 2024 airshow in Hyderabad. This order, comprising 737-10 airplanes and additional 737-8-200 jets, elevates Akasa Air's total Boeing orders to 226, underscoring its commitment as India’s all-737 operator.

Since its inception in 2022, Akasa Air has swiftly grown, securing about 4% of India's domestic market share. The airline currently operates 22 737 MAX jets, serving 18 destinations across the country. This latest order is a strategic move to bolster its domestic presence and initiate international routes in the near future.

Vinay Dube, the founder and CEO of Akasa Air, expressed excitement about the historic order. He emphasized the dual benefits of the new airplanes: bolstering Akasa Air's rapid expansion and supporting its sustainability goals. The 737 MAX family's lower carbon emissions align with the airline's commitment to sustainable operations and offer passengers a more environmentally friendly flying experience.

Both variants of the 737 MAX will enhance Akasa Air's operational capabilities, providing greater capacity and range for new and existing routes. Importantly, these aircraft promise a 20% reduction in fuel use and carbon emissions compared to older-generation airplanes, marking a significant stride in sustainable aviation.

Stephanie Pope, Boeing's Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the strength of the partnership with Akasa Air and the role of the 737 MAX family in supporting the airline's operational priorities. The efficiency and versatility of the 737-10 and 737-8-200 models are seen as crucial for Akasa Air's expansion to meet the growing demand for air travel in the region.

As Akasa Air aims to broaden its network in India and South Asia, Boeing's 2023 Commercial Market outlook projects a demand for 2,705 new commercial airplanes over the next two decades in the region, with single-aisle jets like the 737 MAX constituting nearly 90% of these deliveries. This order not only underscores Akasa Air's growth ambitions but also reflects the burgeoning demand for air travel in South Asia.