India’s newest airline Akasa Air has taken delivery of its first 72 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in Seattle, USA. The airline, backed by veteran investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, is India’s latest low-cost air carrier launched to meet the growing air travel demand in the country and will start with domestic routes first. The airline says they will offer the lowest seat-mile cost for a single-aisle airplane, as well as higher dispatch reliability and a better passenger experience. The airline had earlier placed one of the largest orders for the controversial 737 MAX 8 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow.
akasa air A total of 72 aircraft were ordered, including an initial delivery of 18 aircraft by March 2023, followed by delivery of the remaining 54 over the next four years. The first of the 72 aircraft has already been handed over to the airline at Boeing’s production facility in Seattle and will soon fly to India.
A moment to remember for ages! #QPComesHome #TeamAkasa
photo Credit: @ Boeing pic.twitter.com/dkFpb5RdMw— Akasa Air (@akasaair) 16 June 2022
Upon arrival of the aircraft, Akasa Air will apply for necessary certification with DGCA, India’s aviation nodal body. Akasa Air has already received No Objection Certificate to operate the airline in India. The airline code for Akasa Air is ‘QP’ and the livery is a combination of Sunset Orange and Purple shade, which is new for any airline in India.
Commenting on the delivery, Vinay Dubey – Founder, Managing Director and CEO, Akasa Air said, “This is indeed a symbolic milestone in Akasa Air’s journey, which takes us through the process of obtaining our Air Operator’s Permit. AOP) and leading up to our commercial launch. While we are extremely pleased with this achievement, we are looking forward to transforming India’s air transport ecosystem, supporting the country’s economic growth engine and helping fellow Indians in their Want to keep your focus on the task of fulfilling your vision to help you chase dreams.
“We are grateful to Boeing and Griffin for trusting us and supporting us early in our journey. I, along with our team, look forward to receiving my first plane in Delhi early next week as it arrives from Seattle. Dubey added.
Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, “We are honored to present the first 737 MAX to Akasa Air, India’s newest airline, focused on making air travel inclusive and affordable for all.” “Flying an advanced, environmentally progressive 737 MAX fleet with greater fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, Akasa Air will be able to serve the Indian market profitably while passing the savings on to its passengers.”