Akasa Air has taken delivery of its 20th aircraft. This aircraft is the first high-density Boeing B737MAX-8 for the airline.
First B737-8-200
Akasa Air has welcomed its 20th aircraft, becoming the first airline in Asia to add the B737-8-200 variant of the Boeing B737MAX aircraft to its rapidly expanding fleet. Bearing the registration VT YAV, the airline received the ceremonial keys to the milestone aircraft in Seattle, USA on 28th July 2023 and the aircraft arrived in Bengaluru at 0931 hours on 1st August 2023.
Akasa Air is merely an expression of what India is capable of achieving. Today’s landmark addition to our fleet, heralds the international chapter of growth in Akasa’s story, and makes us extremely optimistic about our future. We are very excited at the prospect of showcasing our unique and distinct service to the world. Going from 0 to 20 aircraft within 12 months is not just an Akasa record but a record that encapsulates the potential of our great country and one for our whole nation to be proud of.
said Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air.
The arrival of 20th aircraft is a critical milestone for any Indian airline. Indian regulations require airlines to have at least 20 aircraft in their fleet to become eligible for international operations and this milestone enables Akasa Air to fly internationally. The airline is planning to commence international operations by the end of this year.
I am particularly gratified in the way our airline has grown. The unprecedented pace of our expansion is fuelled by the passion of our employees, who strive to make air travel increasingly accessible and reliable. We have recorded the highest on-time performance for several consecutive months in 2023 and are especially proud to have achieved this milestone without compromising on our unflinching commitment to service leadership.
added Vinay.
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This aircraft is the first Boeing B737-8-200 in Asia and Akasa has become the second airline outside the Ryanair group to take delivery of this high density aircraft.
This milestone symbolizes the strength of our partnership with Akasa, as they take delivery of the first 737-8-200 in the Asia region. The 737-8-200 offers a balance of airline economics and unparalleled customer experience that is a perfect fit for Akasa and allows the airline to deliver on its promise of service excellence.
said Brad McMullen, Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Boeing.
The airline says that the Boeing B737-8-200 aircraft aligns with its “continued efforts to control operating costs while enhancing the passenger experience”.
Akasa has had the fastest induction of aircraft of any Indian airline. The airline now has 20 aircraft in its fleet within just one year of commencing operations. The carrier has thus far carried over 4 million revenue passengers and crossed the milestone of operating over 900 weekly flights with a published network of 35 unique routes connecting 16 Indian cities.
Featured image by Akasa Air
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