India’s Akasa Air Orders Four Additional Boeing 737-8 Jets at Paris Air Show

Boeing and Akasa Air have announced a new order for four additional 737-8 jets at the Paris Air Show. The Indian carrier, which began operations in 2022 with its first 737-8, has quickly expanded its market share and fleet, currently operating 19 airplanes across 16 destinations in India.

With this latest order, Akasa Air’s total order book now stands at 76 jets, including 23 737-8s and 53 high-capacity 737-8-200 aircraft.

Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, expressed excitement about the airline’s growth, stating, “As the world’s fastest-growing airline, we are thrilled to add four more Boeing 737-8 airplanes to our fleet. This brings our initial order of 72 aircraft up to 76, which will be delivered over the next four years. These airplanes will not only support our rapid domestic expansion but also enable us to take full advantage of the category-leading 737-8 aircraft as we prepare for international routes. The fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions of the 737-8 align with our commitment to sustainable operations while providing our environmentally conscious passengers with a more comfortable travel experience. Sustainability is at the core of our business, and we are constantly seeking opportunities to reduce our impact on the environment.”

Akasa Air currently operates 19 737-8s, with additional high-capacity 737-8-200 aircraft on order. The versatile 737-8 is playing a crucial role in supporting the airline’s growth strategy and domestic network, positioning it for future regional expansion as passenger traffic in India surpasses pre-pandemic levels.

Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, highlighted the significance of Akasa’s follow-on order, stating, “This order from Akasa demonstrates the market-leading capabilities of the 737 MAX in the world’s fastest-growing commercial aviation market. The efficiency and range of the 737-8 support Akasa Air’s plans to expand its domestic and regional networks.”

The 737 MAX family provides Akasa Air with greater range and fuel efficiency, resulting in a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to older-generation airplanes. Moreover, the 737 MAX is known for its quieter operations, with a 50% smaller noise footprint.

Boeing’s new commercial airplanes have received over 1,000 orders and commitments since July 2022, with more than 750 of those orders belonging to the 737 MAX family. This underscores the value and versatility of the aircraft family in meeting the needs of airlines worldwide.