Akasa Air, recognized as India’s fastest-growing airline, has proudly received its 27th aircraft, furthering its remarkable growth trajectory. The aircraft’s delivery voyage commenced in Seattle, USA, and concluded at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India, on 29 January 2025.
Vision and Commitment to Growth
Vinay Dube, the Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, expressed, “At Akasa, our vision is to establish an airline that transcends generations, delivering experiences founded on trust, comfort, and reliability. Our expansion highlights the immense potential of India’s aviation sector, and we are excited to play a role in shaping the nation’s aviation future.”
Accelerated Fleet Growth
In a remarkably short period, Akasa’s fleet has expanded considerably, achieving the milestone of its 27th aircraft within just 30 months of operation. The airline aspires to rank among the top 30 global airlines by the end of this decade, further cementing its market presence.
Focus on Accessibility and Service Excellence
Dedicated to revolutionizing air travel, Akasa is committed to making flying more accessible and affordable for a broader segment of the Indian population. The airline’s devoted team of over 4,000 employees is essential in upholding its standards of service excellence.
Akasa Air’s unwavering on-time performance, operational efficiency, and highly favorable customer feedback have established it as a favored carrier in India, having served over 15 million passengers since its inception in August 2022. Currently, Akasa Air connects with 22 domestic and five international cities, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait City.
A Milestone Order
Akasa Air has experienced unprecedented growth since its establishment in August 2022. In 2021, Akasa Air placed its inaugural order for 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which was subsequently followed by an order for four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in June 2023. In January 2024, the airline made another significant order of 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, becoming the first Indian airline to achieve an order book of 226 aircraft within 17 months of beginning operations.
To date, the airline has taken delivery of 27 aircraft and is set to receive an additional 199 aircraft over the next seven years. Furthermore, the 737 MAX family offers enhanced range and fuel efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 20% compared to its predecessors, thereby reinforcing the airline’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the 737 MAX operates more quietly, producing a noise footprint that is 40% smaller than that of the aircraft it replaces.
Operational Leadership and Customer Satisfaction
With a strong emphasis on punctuality and customer service, Akasa has emerged as a preferred airline, having served over 15 million travelers. It now connects 22 domestic cities and five international locations, including Mumbai, Chennai, Doha, and Riyadh.
Airlines welcomed over 12.6% more planes in 2024
According to data from the fleet tracking platform Planespotter, Indian airlines incorporated approximately 12.6% more aircraft in 2024 compared to the prior year.
The data revealed on Tuesday indicated that Indian airlines added a total of 134 aircraft to their fleets in 2024, up from 119 in the previous year. Among the 134 planes, the full-service carrier Air India brought in 24 aircraft, which included five A350s, while Air India Express, its budget subsidiary, introduced 18 new aircraft.
The fleet tracking platform disclosed that IndiGo, the largest airline in India by market share, inducted 75 aircraft, a rise from 63 in 2023. It is important to note that these aircraft consist of both replacements for those that have completed their lease terms and returned to lessors, as well as additions to compensate for grounded aircraft due to engine complications.
SpiceJet, which has faced significant financial difficulties, also managed to add aircraft to its fleet. In September, shareholders of SpiceJet approved a strategy to raise ₹3,000 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) to tackle financial obstacles and settle outstanding liabilities. Since that decision, the airline has brought in 10 planes, comprising seven B737s, two A320s, and one Bombardier aircraft.
The newest airline in the country, Akasa Air, has incorporated four B737 Max aircraft. According to Planespotter, it had previously inducted eight of these planes in 2023. Before merging with Air India on November 12, Vistara added three new aircraft to its fleet, which included two A320s and one B787.
“Indian aviation has experienced significant growth over the past two to three years due to industry consolidation. The year 2024 has proven to be the best year in terms of domestic passenger numbers. The influx of new aircraft suggests a promising future, particularly as both IndiGo and Air India maintain robust order books,” stated Ameya Joshi, founder of the aviation consultancy Network Thoughts. “The increase in aircraft availability is a positive development for travelers, as it leads to more flight options and improved pricing. As we move into 2025, the current level of aircraft induction is at its highest to date. We will need to observe whether airlines can maintain this momentum or if it will lead to reduced airfares. A balanced approach will be essential for ensuring passenger satisfaction.”
In 2023, scheduled Indian carriers (including previous airlines like Go First and Vistara) incorporated 112 aircraft into their fleets, compared to 81 added in 2022, marking a 38% increase.
Considering the 21 wet/damp lease aircraft, the total number of aircraft inducted reached 133 in 2023, in contrast to the 88 counted the previous year.
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