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Indian start-up Akasa Air orders 72 MAXs
November 17th 2021
Indian budget start-up, Akasa Air, says its order for 72 737 MAXs will support its aim of being cost-efficient and reliable while operating one of the youngest and greenest fleets on the sub-continent. Read More » Boeing and Akasa unveiled the order, worth US$9 billion at list prices, at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday. In keeping with its goal of being an ultra-low-cost carrier, the fledgling LCC has ordered a combination of B737-8 and high-capacity B737-8-200 jets capable of carrying up to 200 passengers. The announcement had been flagged by media and was welcome news for Boeing, which has been struggling to match a flood of aircraft order announcements by Airbus. It also marks a bounce back for the U.S. OEM in India after the collapse of customer Jet Airways. "We are honoured that Akasa Air, an innovative airline focused on customer experience and environmental sustainability, has placed its trust in the 737 family to drive affordable passenger service in one of the world's fastest growing aviation regions," Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO, Stan Deal, said. Akasa plans to offer commercial flights from the northern summer of 2022 and operate the aircraft to meet growing demand across India. "India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world with an unparalleled potential,’’ said Akasa Air CEO, Vinay Dube. “Already we are witnessing a strong recovery in air travel and we see decades of growth ahead of us. Akasa Air's core purpose is to power India's growth engine and democratize air travel by creating an inclusive environment for all Indians regardless of their socio-economic or cultural backgrounds." Akasa is backed by Indian business magnate and investor, Rakesh Jhunjhunwal.
