Akasa Air is in talks to order more than 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The Indian low-cost carrier prepares for further expansion over the next decade, according to a Reuters report citing Bloomberg News and people familiar with the discussions.
A decision on the potential order is expected early next year. Meanwhile, commercial terms could be finalised in the second half of 2027. The proposed aircraft would help Akasa expand its fleet beyond 2032. The discussions are still preliminary. Moreover, Akasa Air and Boeing did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. The talks may not result in a final purchase agreement.
Akasa Already Has a Large Boeing Order Book
Akasa Air began operations in 2022 and has built its fleet around the Boeing 737 MAX family.
The airline currently operates 43 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It also has orders for another 226 aircraft scheduled for delivery over the coming decade, according to Reuters.
If the additional order for more than 200 aircraft goes ahead, it would represent another major expansion of Akasa’s long-term fleet plans.
The potential purchase would also strengthen Boeing’s position in India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.
The deal could be worth billions of dollars at list prices. This is before the discounts normally negotiated between airlines and aircraft manufacturers.
Airline Targets Capacity Growth
Akasa has been expanding its network as it receives additional aircraft. Reuters reported that the airline is targeting a 30% increase in capacity by March 2027.
The carrier has also been working to increase its international presence as more aircraft become available. The Economic Times reported that Akasa carried 400,525 international passengers during the first half of 2026.
That was already higher than the 368,743 international passengers it carried during the whole of 2025. In addition, Akasa’s management has previously discussed moving toward a larger international share of its operations over the next few years.
Expansion Beyond India
The proposed Boeing order comes as Akasa seeks to build a larger international network. The airline currently serves destinations within India as well as international markets.
Additional 737 MAX aircraft could provide capacity for further route expansion once deliveries begin.
The 737 MAX is designed for short- and medium-haul routes. This makes it suitable for both domestic operations and several international markets from India.
For Akasa, securing aircraft well into the 2030s would also give the airline greater visibility over its future fleet capacity.
Boeing’s Position in India’s Aviation Market
India has become one of the world’s fastest-growing major aviation markets. Airlines are placing large aircraft orders to meet rising passenger demand.
Boeing has already secured significant orders from Indian carriers. Akasa’s potential purchase would follow Air India’s combined order for 250 Boeing aircraft, according to Reuters reporting.
The possible deal therefore comes at a time when both Boeing and Airbus are competing for a larger share of India’s expanding commercial aviation market.
Akasa’s fleet strategy is particularly notable because the airline is still relatively young compared with India’s established carriers.
Delivery Challenges Remain
The expansion also comes against a complicated backdrop for aircraft manufacturers and airlines.
Akasa has previously faced delays in receiving Boeing aircraft, an issue Reuters reported in 2025. Delivery delays can affect an airline’s ability to add routes, increase frequencies and keep pilots and other resources fully utilised.
Any future agreement would therefore depend not only on price and financing but also on Boeing’s ability to deliver the aircraft according to the agreed schedule.
For Akasa, securing additional aircraft early could help it plan its long-term network. However, a large order would also require substantial financial and operational planning.
What Happens Next?
The proposed order remains under discussion, rather than being a confirmed aircraft purchase. According to Reuters, a decision could come in early 2027, with commercial terms potentially finalised later that year.
Until an agreement is formally announced, the exact number of aircraft, delivery schedule and financial terms remain uncertain.
If completed, however, the deal would represent a major step in Akasa Air’s long-term expansion strategy. It would also further increase the size of its Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
For India’s aviation sector, the discussions also underline the scale of expected airline growth. Carriers are preparing for higher passenger demand and expanding their international networks.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
