The Airbus A320neo Family has spent the first three days of the Dubai Airshow racking up plenty of hefty orders; however, today Boeing has strucks back. Indian low-cost carrier Akasa Air has signed the dotted line for 72 737 MAX aircraft, after it was reported that the airline was readying an order ahead of the show.
Valued at nearly $9 billion at list prices, the deal will enable Akasa to connect the rapidly growing Indian market with Boeing’s latest and most fuel efficient narrowbody product.
“We are delighted to partner with Boeing for our first airplane order and thank them for their trust and confidence in Akasa Air’s business plan and leadership team. We believe that the new 737 MAX airplane will support our aim of running not just a cost-efficient, reliable and affordable airline, but also an environmentally friendly company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.”
Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube
The order consists of two 737 MAX variants, these being the 737 MAX 8 and the high-capacity 737 MAX 8-200. The latter model was launched in 2014 as a high-density version of the 737 MAX 8; it seats 200 passengers in a single-class, slimline seat layout and adds two extra exit doors.
Akasa Air aims to begin operations next year. Dube says the airline aims to support India’s growth engine and democratize air travel by creating an inclusive environment for all Indians, regardless of their socio-economic or cultural backgrounds.
Fantastic. Best wishes for Akasa Air. 👍