According to a Reuters report, Indian low-cost carrier Akasa Air, which launched scheduled commercial operations last 7 August, could place a “substantially” large order for new narrow-body aircraft this year.
According to statements to the news agency by Vinay Dube, its CEO, the new company will seek to capitalise on the growing demand for air travel in the Indian market, one of the fastest growing in the world. It also plans to expand its services in the coming months and launch international operations.
Akasa Air plans to add destinations and connections to its network progressively. Initially it offered a total of five routes between five cities: Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Kochi. However, its expansion plan envisages a strong presence throughout the country.
Fleet growth, an objective for Akasa Air
To achieve these goals, Akasa Air stated early on its intention to increase the size of its fleet: the airline planned to have 18 aircraft in operation by March 2023 and to take delivery of up to 54 aircraft over the next four years. The company placed an initial order for 72 aircraft, including Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737-8200 models. So far, it has taken delivery of seventeen 737 MAX 8.
“Before the end of this year we are going to place another aircraft order that is going to be substantially larger than the 72 aircraft order we have placed”, Dube said.
While no further details are known, it would be a large order for new narrow-body aircraft. It is likely that Akasa Air will opt to add more Boeing 737 MAXs in order to have a more homogenous fleet.
“By the end of the year, we hope to be flying internationally”, Dube told Reuters. He explained that the company’s goal is to increase the size of its network and include destinations within reach of the 737 MAX in South Asia and the Middle East.
See also: Record order: Air India to buy 250 aircraft from Airbus
