Akasa Air Bolsters Fleet with CFM LEAP-1B Engines for 150 Boeing 737 Max Aircraft
Akasa Air, an emerging player in the aviation industry, has taken a significant leap forward by signing an agreement with CFM International. This deal involves the purchase of CFM LEAP-1B engines to power a fleet of 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This strategic partnership not only strengthens Akasa Air’s operational capabilities but also marks a notable expansion of CFM’s presence in the Indian aviation sector.
The comprehensive agreement extends beyond the procurement of engines, encompassing spare engines and a services contract. This arrangement is crucial for Akasa Air, ensuring not only the supply of advanced engines but also the necessary support for maintenance and operational efficiency.
Based in Mumbai, Akasa Air commenced operations in August 2022 and has since made significant strides in expanding its fleet. Prior to this agreement, the airline had ordered a total of 76 LEAP-1B-powered 737-8 aircraft, 22 of which are already in service. This new order substantially increases Akasa Air’s commitment to the LEAP-1B engine and the 737 MAX aircraft, reflecting the airline’s confidence in the performance and reliability of these products.
Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, emphasized the importance of this partnership. “This significant, long-term agreement is testament to the confidence that CFM International has in Akasa Air,” he said. Dube highlighted that continuing the partnership with CFM for engine maintenance not only reaffirms Akasa Air’s focus on operational reliability but also underscores its commitment to world-class safety standards.
Looking to the future, Dube added, “With CFM as our long-term engine maintenance provider, we remain confident in our path to becoming one of the top 30 leading airlines in the world by the turn of this decade.”
CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, has a robust footprint in India. With over 400 CFM-powered aircraft in service and 2,500 LEAP engines in the backlog, this new order further cements its position in the market. Both parent companies of CFM have invested significantly in India, establishing state-of-the-art facilities for LEAP production and maintenance. These investments are in line with the “Make in India” policy, fostering strategic partnerships with Indian aerospace companies.
Gaël Méheust, president & CEO of CFM International, highlighted the performance benefits of the LEAP engines. “Our customers, including Akasa, are seeing 15 to 20 percent better fuel efficiency with their LEAP-powered fleets and it has the highest reliability and daily utilization rates in this thrust class,” he said. Méheust also noted that this order not only supports Akasa Air’s growth but plays an important role in India’s economic development.
This agreement signifies a major milestone for Akasa Air in its journey towards becoming a leading airline, while also demonstrating CFM International’s commitment to supporting the growth of aviation in India with advanced and efficient engine technology.