Hyderabad: In a significant development for India’s aviation sector, Akasa Air announced a groundbreaking order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody planes at the “Wings India” air show. This move marks Akasa’s bold step to expand its operations globally, transcending the confines of domestic routes.
The announcement is particularly noteworthy as it is the first major order for Boeing’s MAX jetliner program since the recent mid-air cabin panel blowout incident in the U.S. Despite the setback, Akasa’s confidence in Boeing’s offerings underscores its commitment to strategic growth in the competitive aviation market.
While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, Akasa anticipates the delivery of these aircraft within the next eight years, reflecting the airline’s long-term vision and commitment to enhancing its fleet. The order, consisting of 737 MAX 10 and MAX 8-200 models, excludes the MAX 9 version, which has faced operational challenges following the Alaska Airlines cabin panel incident.
The Indian aviation market is currently the world’s fastest-growing, with travel demand surpassing the supply of planes. Akasa’s move to diversify its fleet aligns with the industry’s momentum, with a particular focus on international routes. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia predicts a surge in the country’s fleet size, reaching 2,000 in the next decade from the current 700.
While global carriers like Emirates dominate international traffic, Akasa’s ambitious order positions it as a formidable player in India’s aviation landscape. With IndiGo holding a 60% market share and Tata Group airlines at a combined 26%, Akasa, despite its recent entry in 2022, has already secured a 4% market share.
Despite facing challenges last year, including the departure of a significant portion of its pilots, Akasa has overcome setbacks and aims to regain market share. The order for Boeing’s 737 MAX planes reflects the airline’s confidence in navigating the complexities of the aviation industry and realizing its vision of becoming a global player in the years to come.
