Akasa Airline: Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s Akasa Air releases first look of its aircraft; to launch commercial operations by July | India Business News – Times of India

PUNE: Ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed Akasa Air on Monday released the ‘first look’ of its aircraft from its Boeing production facility in Portland as it gets ready for delivery.
The airline recently reaffirmed its commitment of being on track to receive its first aircraft in India by mid-June and launch commercial operations in India by July 2022. It plans to fly 18 aircraft by the end of March 2023 across domestic routes in the country, focusing on metro to tier-2 / tier-3 cities.
Akasa Air will operate a fleet of ultra-modern, brand new 737 MAX aircraft powered by the highly fuel-efficient CFM LEAP B engine, making it the youngest and greenest fleet in the country.

The company signed a $9 billion deal with US aircraft major Boeing for 72 Boeing 737 Max planes in two variants—737-8 and the high-capacity 737-8-200.
Providing the lowest seat-mile costs for a single-aisle airplane as well as high dispatch reliability and an enhanced passenger experience, the 737 MAX will give Akasa Air a competitive edge in its dynamic home market.
India’s growing economy and expanding population will fuel strong demand for commercial flights. It will drive the need for an estimated 1,000 new airplanes in India over the next 20 years.
The Mumbai-based carrier received a non-objection certificate from the civil aviation ministry in October last year.