Akasa Air to buy 150 737 MAX aircraft from Boeing by 2032

Domestic carrier Akasa Air has placed an order for the delivery of 150 737 Max aircraft with the U.S. plane maker Boeing, the company announced on Thursday. The order comprises of delivery of 737 MAX 10 and 737 MAX 8-200 jets through 2032. With this, the airline's order book stands at 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient, Leap 1B engines.           

Notably, Akasa Air, which became operational almost two years ago, claims to become the only domestic carrier to reach an order book of over 200 aircraft within a span of 17 months. The announcement was made at the WINGS 2024 airshow at Hyderabad. The order is likely to boost the airline's expansion plans.

"These additions to our fleet will help us bolster the strength of our operations as we expand our footprint and foray into international skies in the very near future. Each addition to our fleet brings us closer to our purpose of connecting people, places, and cultures. We are confident in our ability to be able to serve millions of satisfied travellers across the globe, as we step into the next phase of our growth," says Vinay Dube, founder and CEO, Akasa Air.

The development comes months after the low-cost carrier received approval from the ministry of civil aviation for international operations in September last year. The airline is aiming to target South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East as popular destinations.

"As the airline plans to expand its footprint in India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, this latest order will support Akasa Air’s ambitions and cater to the country’s burgeoning air travel demand, on its way to becoming the largest aviation market by 2047,” the airline says.

In December, the airline commanded a 4.1% market share and carried 62.32 lakh passengers.

Notably, the last few months have proven distressful for the low-cost carrier. From flight cancellations to a shortage of pilots, the low-cost carrier grappled with several issues beginning in September last year. However, Dube said that the airline has overcome the pilot issue and is in growth mode.

Meanwhile, the order is touted to provide some relief to the U.S. plane major, which has been in the spotlight and under scrutiny by the domestic and international watchdog after a piece of fuselage blew off an Alaska Airlines flight.

Backed by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, the airline began operations in August 2022. The airline currently has a fleet of 22 aircraft and will receive deliveries of a total of 204 aircraft over the course of eight years.