Rakesh Jhunjhunwala backed Akasa Air: Top things to know about India's newest airline

Backed by Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Akasa Air has placed a massive order for 72 Boeing 737 Max aircrafts at the Dubai Air Show ahead of its scheduled commercial operations in Summer 2022.

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At the ongoing Dubai Air Show, Akasa Air, India's newest airline backed by the Big Bull Rakesh Jhunjhunwala placed a massive order of 72 Boeing 737 Max family of aircrafts, one of the largest orders for the Max plane globally and also the largest order post the 737 Max grounding. Slated to start operations next year, the airline has received the initial clearance (NOC) from the civil aviation ministry and DGCA to launch the ultra-low-cost carrier. We decode what exactly is Akasa Air and what new does it bring to the table?

Key Details 

Backed by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjunwala

Operations to start in Summer 2022

Ultra low cost domestic airline

Will fly single aisle Boeing 737 Max aircraft

Focus to harness technology for enhanced customer experience

Start Date

SNV Aviation under which Akasa will fly says that the airline brand is targeting Summer 2022 to start the operations in India. Akasa Air has already received the No Objection Certificate to operate flights in India. 

Fleet

In an earlier released statement, the airline mentioned that the company plans to operate approximately 70 planes in the next four years. While the Airbus' Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer had previously stated that Airbus is in conversation with Akasa for an aircraft procurement deal, the Indian brand, at the Dubai Air Show, sealed a deal with Boeing to procure 72 737 Max aircrafts. The Max 8 aircraft is the same single aisle aircraft that was grounded after a couple of deadly crashes in late 2019. Following modifications and clearance from the FAA, DGCA has also approved operations to resume in India. 

Today’s order for 72 737 MAX airplanes at the @DubaiAirshow marks Akasa Air’s first fleet purchase and signals its growth plans. We are humbled by Akasa Air’s trust in the 737 family and the Boeing team. #DAS21 #AkasaAir

RELEASE: https://t.co/d1fj3VXRKu pic.twitter.com/6bwTWqODrk — Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) November 16, 2021

Key People

Akasa Air is backed by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, who is the co-founder of the newest airline and owns 40% of the company, along with Aditya Ghosh, former President of Indigo who will have a 10 per cent stake in the Akasa Air. Ex-Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube will be the CEO of Akasa Air with a 15 per cent stake. The brand is also looking to hire other industry leaders at the top spot before beginning of the operations. 

Routes

Akasa Air plans to offer flights across India with an "endeavour to be the nation's most dependable, affordable and greenest airline". While no announcement has been made in this regards, it is expected the Akasa will serve the major domestic routes with the ultra low cost airline to attract the potential flyers.