India’s Akasa Air Confirms Order for 150 Boeing 737 Max Jets

India’s rapidly growing airline, Akasa Air, based at Mumbai International, has taken a significant leap forward in its expansion plans by placing an order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The order, which includes a mix of 737-10s and 737-8-200s, was announced in a statement on January 18. This ambitious move increases Akasa Air’s total order book to an impressive 226 aircraft.

Akasa Air’s existing fleet currently comprises twenty-one 737-8s and one 737-8-200. The latest order, unveiled at WINGS India 2024, guarantees a continuous delivery of new aircraft to the airline through 2032. Having commenced its operations in August 2022, Akasa Air is rapidly expanding its operational capabilities.

Vinay Dube, the founder and chief executive of Akasa Air, highlighted the strategic importance of this order. “These additions to our fleet will help us strengthen our operations as we expand our footprint and venture into international territories in the near future,” he stated.

The low-cost carrier (LCC) has not yet disclosed the specific breakdown of the variants included in the new order. Previously, Akasa Air placed an initial order for seventy-two 737 MAX jets in 2021 and followed up with an additional order for four 737-8s in June 2023.

The airline had been considering a “three-digit” aircraft order for several months, targeting deliveries spanning from 2027 to 2032.

Simultaneously, Akasa Air is setting its sights on international operations, aiming to launch by the first quarter of 2024. The airline recently reached the 20-aircraft threshold required by Indian civil aviation regulations for international operations when it took delivery of its twentieth aircraft on December 29, 2023. Additionally, it has secured an international permit from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.

This order marks a major milestone for Akasa Air, signaling its intent to become a dominant player in both the domestic and international aviation markets.