Akasa Air, which will mark one year of operations on August 7, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first airline in Asia to include the Boeing 737-8-200 variant in its fleet. This addition is in line with their strategy to manage operating costs effectively. To be eligible for international operations, Indian regulations require airlines to have at least 20 aircraft in their fleet, and Akasa Air has successfully met this requirement within four months of its launch.
Vinay Dube, the Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, expressed pride in the airline’s achievement, stating that going from zero to 20 aircraft within a year not only sets an Akasa record but also reflects the country’s potential. The airline has maintained an impressive on-time performance throughout 2023.
The recent delivery of the B737-8-200 aircraft from Boeing’s Seattle facility on July 28 further strengthens Akasa Air’s fleet. The aircraft arrived in Bengaluru on Tuesday at 9:31 hours. Akasa Air had previously placed an order for 72 aircraft, including 23 737-8s and 53 high-capacity 737-8-200 planes, before its launch in 2021. Additionally, the airline revealed its plan to acquire four more Boeing 737 MAX planes in June this year.
Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Brad McMullen, praised the airline’s choice of the 737-8-200 aircraft, highlighting its blend of airline economics and exceptional customer experience.
Currently, Akasa Air operates more than 900 weekly flights across 16 cities, showcasing its rapid growth and expanding presence in the Indian aviation market.