Akasa Air, India's most recent airline, has revealed its intention to bolster its expansion strategy with the acquisition of four more Boeing 737-8 jets. This announcement comes in addition to their existing order of 72 aircraft, bringing their total order to 76, consisting of 23 737-8s and 53 high-capacity 737-8-200 aircraft. Akasa Air announced during the Paris Air Show, where they are currently participating. Furthermore, the airline plans to make another substantial order of three-digit aircraft by the end of 2023.
As Akasa Air aims to commence international operations by the close of 2023, the additional purchase of four 737-8s will reinforce its expansion plans. Since launching its operations in August 2022, Akasa Air has emerged as the fastest-growing airline in the country. With a fleet of 19 aircraft, they have successfully transported over 3 million revenue passengers and surpassed the milestone of operating more than 900 weekly flights. Their extensive network comprises 36 unique routes, connecting 16 cities.
Vinay Dube, Founder, and CEO of Akasa Air, expressed his satisfaction with the airline's achievements, noting that they have set a remarkable milestone in global aviation history by reaching a fleet size of 19 aircraft in less than a year. He emphasized their commitment to contributing to the air transportation ecosystem and supporting the nation's economic growth engine. Dube further highlighted their excitement about adding four additional Boeing 737-8s to facilitate their international expansion. This will increase their initial order from 72 to 76 aircraft, all of which are scheduled for delivery within the next four years. Additionally, the inclusion of these airplanes will not only support their rapid domestic expansion but also enable them to take full advantage of the remarkable capabilities of the 737-8 aircraft, particularly its unmatched range, as they prepare to venture into international routes.
Dube concluded by revealing that they are progressing smoothly towards finalizing another substantial three-digit aircraft order, with plans to announce it before the end of the calendar year. It is noteworthy that Akasa Air's brand-new fleet is equipped with cutting-edge technology engines, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by an additional 14%. Moreover, these aircraft incorporate quiet engine technology, effectively reducing the operational noise footprint by up to 40%.