India's third-largest airline Akasa Air is in discussions to order more than 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, according to reports from Bloomberg News. The Mumbai-based budget carrier, which began operations in 2022, currently operates 43 Boeing 737 MAX jets and has existing unfilled orders for 226 additional aircraft for delivery over the next decade. A decision on the new order is expected early next year, with terms likely to be finalized in the second half of 2027. The proposed purchase would run into billions of dollars at list prices before standard industry discounts, as reported by Bloomberg News. If completed, it would mark Boeing's second major aircraft sale in India following Air India's combined order for 250 planes, and would provide the airline with another major order in India, one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.
The potential order would support Akasa Air's fleet growth beyond 2032, as reported by Bloomberg News. The airline is targeting a 30% capacity increase by March 2027 and is considering participation in the government's emergency credit guarantee scheme, according to its finance chief who made these statements in June. The expansion represents a significant scaling of the carrier's operations as it seeks to strengthen its position in India's competitive aviation market. A deal would provide Boeing with another major order in India, one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, while strengthening its position against Airbus in the crucial single-aisle segment.
As reported by Bloomberg News, the Mumbai-based budget carrier is expanding its fleet of Boeing's fuel-efficient jets. The airline currently operates 43 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and serves 29 domestic and seven international destinations. Akasa Air has established itself as India's third-largest airline since its launch in 2022, positioning itself as a significant player in the country's aviation sector. However, the airline remains a relatively small competitor to IndiGo and Air India, carrying about 5.5% of India's domestic passengers last month compared with roughly 65% for IndiGo and 27% for Air India Group. At the 10 major airports in August 2026, IndiGo recorded the highest On-Time Performance (OTP) at 91.5%, while Akasa Air and the Air India Group followed with OTP rates of 90.5% and 83.9% respectively, according to Reuters data.
The potential order comes as Akasa Air seeks ₹10.5 billion (about ₹109 million) in equity and debt financing, according to Bloomberg News. The airline has also explored government-backed financing after the Iran war disrupted airspace and pushed jet fuel costs higher. India's commercial aircraft fleet has expanded dramatically from about 100 planes in 2000 to nearly 900 today, with more than 1,500 additional aircraft on order. IndiGo has roughly 900 planes awaiting delivery through 2035, while Air India previously placed a 470-aircraft order split between Boeing and Airbus. For Boeing, another large Akasa commitment would deepen its exposure to India's aviation expansion and reinforce the 737 Max as its principal competitor to Airbus's A320neo family in the Indian market.
