- Indian budget airline Akasa Air is in talks to acquire around 150 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody planes, aiming to capitalize on the surging domestic and international travel demand.
- This expansion plan builds on Akasa's existing order for 76 Boeing 737 MAX jets and its goal of international flights to nearby destinations like Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
- The potential deal, expected to be finalized at the upcoming Wings India event, would further solidify Boeing's presence in the fast-growing Indian aviation market.
Akasa Soars Towards Expansion with Potential Mega-Order of Boeing 737 MAX Jets
India's newest budget carrier, Akasa Air, is set to make waves in the aviation industry with a potential order for a staggering 150 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody aircraft. This ambitious move underscores Akasa's commitment to fuel its domestic and international expansion, capitalizing on the booming travel demand within India and beyond.This potential deal, first reported by Reuters, comes on top of Akasa's existing order for 76 Boeing 737 MAX jets. The airline, established in 2022, has already carved a 4% niche in the fiercely competitive Indian market, despite challenges like pilot departures in 2023. Akasa's Chief Commercial Officer, Praveen Iyer, hinted at a "three-digit aircraft order" earlier in December, indicating the airline's aggressive growth plans.
The sources familiar with the negotiations suggest that the potential 150-plane order may include future purchasing options, providing Akasa with the flexibility to tailor its fleet expansion over time. Currently, the airline operates exclusively within India with a fleet of around two dozen aircraft. However, the Boeing 737 MAX jets, equipped for longer-range flights, will enable Akasa to tap into lucrative regional routes across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
This potential order is a resounding vote of confidence in the burgeoning Indian aviation market, which has witnessed a spectacular post-pandemic resurgence. Domestic demand has skyrocketed, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and pushing aircraft manufacturers to grapple with limited production slots. In response to this surge, IndiGo, Akasa's larger competitor, placed a record order for 500 Airbus narrowbody planes in June.
Akasa's potential deal with Boeing signifies a strategic opportunity for the American manufacturer to strengthen its foothold in the Indian market, where competitor Airbus has enjoyed a dominant position. While SpiceJet remains another Boeing customer in India, Akasa's order, if finalized, would significantly bolster Boeing's presence in the region.
The Wings India event in January serves as a potential platform for Akasa to officially announce the Boeing 737 MAX order. This ambitious expansion plan, fueled by the post-pandemic travel boom and Akasa's strategic vision, promises to reshape the landscape of Indian aviation and further propel the industry's remarkable growth trajectory.
