India’s newest airline, Akasa Air, has opted to build its fleet with Boeing’s 737 MAX single-aisle jetliner and announced orders for 72 aircraft at the Dubai Air Show. Akasa Air's order includes two variants from the 737 MAX family, the 737-8 and the high-capacity 737-8-200.
The 72 aircraft order is valued at nearly $ 9 bn at list prices, though airlines typically secure sizeable discounts on large aircraft orders. Akasa Air plans to commence domestic flights in India starting summer of 2022.
Vinay Dube, CEO, Akasa Air said, “We believe that the new 737 MAX airplane will support our aim of running not just a cost-efficient, reliable and affordable airline, but also an environmentally friendly company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.”
Stan Deal, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said the 737 MAX, with its optimised performance, flexibility and capability, is the perfect airplane to establish Akasa Air in the Indian market and ensure it effectively grows its network.
According to Boeing's 2021 Commercial Market Outlook forecast, India's growing economy and expanding middle class will fuel strong demand for commercial flights, driving the need for more than 2,200 new airplanes in South Asia valued at nearly $ 320 bn over the next two decades.