India’s newest airline Akasa Air has announced an order for four additional Boeing 737-8 jets at the ongoing Paris Air Show, a follow-up to an earlier order for 72 aircraft. The order now takes the airline’s fleet total to 76 aircraft, including 23 737-8s and 53 high-capacity 737-8-200 aircraft. The airline is also set to announce another significant three-digit aircraft order by the end of 2023. An additional order of four 737-8s is being made as Akasaka Air targets to begin international operations by the end of 2023.
Since commencing operations in August 2022, Akasaka Air is the fastest growing airline in the country with a fleet of 19 aircraft that has carried over 3 million revenue passengers and served over 900 destinations with a published network of 36 unique routes Has crossed the milestone of operating weekly flights. Connecting 16 cities. The first 72 Boeing 737 Max airplanes placed are powered by CFM fuel-efficient, LEAP-1B engines.
Vinay Dubey, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air, said, “Akasa Air has set a benchmark in the 120-year history of global aviation by becoming the first airline to reach a fleet size of 19 aircraft in less than a year of operations. While we are extremely pleased with this achievement, we wish to keep ourselves focused on our commitment to contribute to the air transport ecosystem and support the economic growth engine of the country.
We are excited to add four more Boeing 737-8s to support our international expansion, taking our initial order of 72 aircraft to 76 to be delivered over the next four years. In addition to supporting our rapid domestic expansion, these aircraft allow us to take full advantage of the class-leading 737-8 aircraft with its unique range, as we prepare for our entry into international routes.
“This follow-up order from Aqasa demonstrates the market-leading capabilities of the 737 MAX in the world’s fastest-growing commercial aviation market,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing. “The efficiency and range of the 737-8 supports Akasha Air’s plans to expand its domestic and regional network.”
The 737 MAX family gives Akasaa Air greater range and fuel efficiency than older generation airplanes, reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20%. In addition, the 737 MAX is a quieter airplane with a 50% lower noise footprint, Boeing said in a statement.