Akasa Air, the rapidly growing Indian airline, has announced a significant expansion of its fleet with an order for four additional Boeing 737-8 jets at the Paris Air Show. The airline, which made its debut in 2022 with its first 737-8 aircraft, has quickly gained market share and now operates 19 airplanes across 16 destinations in India. This move aims to support Akasa Air’s growth strategy in the fast-growing Indian aviation market.
The latest order brings the airline’s total order book to 76 jets, which includes 23 737-8s and 53 high-capacity 737-8-200 airplanes. This development underscores Akasa Air’s commitment to expanding its operations and network both domestically and internationally.
Vinay Dube, the Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, expressed enthusiasm for the additional aircraft, which will augment the airline’s existing order of 72 airplanes to a total of 76 jets over the next four years. He emphasized the advantages offered by the category-leading 737-8 aircraft, including its unparalleled range. Dube noted, “As the world’s fastest-growing airline, we are excited to add four more Boeing 737-8 airplanes into our fleet. In addition to supporting our rapid domestic expansion, these airplanes allow us to take full advantage of their fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions as we prepare for international routes.”
Dube further highlighted Akasa Air’s commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact. The fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions of the 737-8 jets align with the airline’s core values and provide environmentally conscious passengers with a more comfortable and eco-friendly way to travel.
Currently, Akasa Air operates 19 737-8 aircraft, and it has additional high-capacity 737-8-200 airplanes on order. With passenger traffic steadily increasing in India and surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the versatile 737-8 series plays a crucial role in supporting Akasa Air’s growth strategy and expanding its domestic network. Furthermore, the airline is well-positioned for future regional expansion.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, hailed the follow-on order from Akasa Air as a testament to the market-leading capabilities of the 737 MAX in India’s rapidly growing commercial aviation sector. He emphasized that the efficiency and range of the 737-8 jets perfectly align with Akasa Air’s plans to expand its domestic and regional networks.
In addition to its operational advantages, the 737 MAX family provides Akasa Air with superior fuel efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 20% compared to older-generation aircraft. The 737 MAX is also significantly quieter, with a 50% smaller noise footprint. These features contribute to Akasa Air’s commitment to sustainable operations and align with its broader efforts to minimize its impact on the environment.
The order from Akasa Air adds to the continued success of Boeing in securing new commercial airplane orders. Since July 2022, Boeing has received over 1,000 orders and commitments, with more than 750 of those being for the 737 MAX family. This exceptional demand underscores the value customers place on the versatility and commonality offered by the 737 MAX series.
As Akasa Air expands its fleet and operations, it solidifies its position as India’s fastest-growing airline. The addition of the Boeing 737-8 jets enhances the airline’s capabilities, allowing it to serve more passengers, expand its domestic network, and venture into international markets. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Akasa Air aims to continue reducing its carbon footprint while delivering exceptional service and comfort to its passengers.
