Akasa Air, based in India, has confirmed an additional order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This announcement, made at the Wings India 2024 airshow, includes the purchase of the 737-10 model along with more 737-8-200 jets. As India’s exclusive 737 operator, this move marks a considerable expansion in Akasa Air’s fleet.
Since commencing its operations in 2022, Akasa Air has established a 4% share in India’s domestic aviation market. The airline currently operates a fleet of 22 737 MAX jets, servicing 18 destinations across the country.
The incorporation of both variants of the 737 MAX into their fleet is expected to enhance Akasa Air’s capacity and range on existing and new routes. These aircraft are noted for their efficiency, reportedly reducing fuel usage and carbon emissions by 20% in comparison to older-generation airplanes.
“We are excited to announce this historic order for 150 new Boeing airplanes, increasing our total orders from Boeing to 226 jets. In addition to supporting our rapid domestic expansion, the efficiency and economics of these new airplanes position Akasa to launch international routes in the coming months,” said Vinay Dube, Akasa Air founder and CEO.
“The lower carbon emissions of the 737 MAX family allow us to remain focused on sustainable operations, while also providing our environmentally conscious passengers with a more comfortable way to fly. Sustainability is at the core of our business, and we strive for more opportunities to reduce our impact to the environment.”
The Future of Indian Aviation: Single-Aisle Jets to Dominate the Next Two Decades
Looking ahead, Akasa Air aims to broaden its domestic and international network, focusing on India and South Asia. In alignment with this strategy, Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook suggests a demand for 2,705 new commercial airplanes in the region over the next two decades, with single-aisle jets like the 737 MAX constituting nearly 90% of this forecasted demand.