Hyderabad: Boeing and Akasa Air have jointly announced a substantial expansion of the Indian carrier's fleet with an order for 150 more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The confirmation was made at the Wings India 2024 airshow, where Akasa Air revealed plans to leverage the fuel-efficient 737 MAX family for both domestic and international growth.
Akasa Air, an all-737 operator since its launch in 2022, has already secured a 4% share of India's domestic market, serving 18 destinations with its current fleet of 22 737 MAX jets. The newly ordered planes, including 737-10 and 737-8-200 variants, will play a crucial role in the airline's strategic expansion.
Vinay Dube, Akasa Air's founder and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the historic order, stating, "We are excited to announce this historic order for 150 new Boeing airplanes, increasing our total orders from Boeing to 226 jets. In addition to supporting our rapid domestic expansion, the efficiency and economics of these new airplanes position Akasa to launch international routes in the coming months."
Dube highlighted the environmental benefits of the 737 MAX family, emphasizing the lower carbon emissions that align with the airline's commitment to sustainability. He added, "Sustainability is at the core of our business, and we strive for more opportunities to reduce our impact on the environment."
The 737 MAX variants are expected to enhance Akasa Air's operational capabilities, providing increased capacity and range on both new and existing routes. The newer aircraft will also contribute to a 20% reduction in fuel use and carbon emissions compared to older-generation airplanes.
Stephanie Pope, Boeing Chief Operating Officer, commented on the significance of the milestone, stating, "This milestone demonstrates the strength of our partnership with Akasa Air and is a testament to the capabilities of the 737 MAX family to further the airline’s operational priorities."
As Akasa Air focuses on expanding its network in India and South Asia, Boeing's 2023 Commercial Market outlook forecasts a substantial demand, with 2,705 new commercial airplanes expected to be delivered in the region over the next 20 years, with nearly 90% of them being single-aisle jets.
