Akasa Air, a new Indian airline owned by stock trader and investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, unveiled the look of its first aircraft. The airplane is a Boeing 737 MAX–8 with registration VT-YAA that is currently being readied at the U.S. manufacturer’s facility in Portland, Oregon.
The initially scheduled start of operations date has already been postponed once, due to the delay in deliveries. According to the airline, it expects to receive its first aircraft in mid-June and begin scheduled services in July.
However, it will be required to conduct routine test flights as part of the operator certification process once it receives the aircraft. For this reason, the start of commercial operations may be delayed again.
Can’t keep calm! Say hi to our QP-pie! 😍#AvGeek pic.twitter.com/sT8YkxcDCV
— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) May 23, 2022
Akasa Air will operate a fleet composed entirely of 737 MAX aircraft, equipped with CFM LEAP B engines. This would make it the Indian airline with the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet. These characteristics are a differential value in a market that will grow steadily in the coming years, according to projections.
To this end, it has already signed a contract with Boeing to acquire 72 aircraft in two variants, the 737 MAX–8 and the high-density MAX 200. The company’s plan is to have 18 aircraft in operation by March 2023.
See also: Jet Airways conducts first test flights to reobtain its Air Operator Certificate
