The MAX 200 is set to be a core feature of low-cost Indian aviation.
Akasa Air is already putting its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to good use. The airline is deploying the narrowbody well from its hubs of Bengaluru and Mumbai, and the high-density MAX 200 will join the fleet as the carrier continues to evolve.
Vision in motion
Last year, VietJet shared that 200 737 MAXs were set to be delivered to its facilities from 2024. The order consisted of 106 MAX 10s, 66 MAX 8s, and 28 MAX-200s.
However, we can now see that at least one unit that was destined for Vietnam is now on its way to India. Test registration N4027G (line number 7859) was initially earmarked for VietJet, but it was not taken on and will soon be registered with Akasa.
This aircraft was spotted this week and can be seen in the image below. With this shift, momentum is gaining for Akasa Air’s all-MAX fleet.
Photo: Preston Fiedler
According to ch-aviation.com, the airline has 19 MAX 8s in its holdings with an average age of 3.6 years. Together, they provide the space for 3,426 passengers. This capacity will soon skyrocket amid the arrival of a whopping 52 MAX 200s on order.
Proving its worth
The clue to the MAX 200’s benefits is in its name. Ryanair, the inaugural operator of the aircraft, holds nearly 200 seats with the plane – 197 to be precise. In comparison, Southwest Airlines’ MAX 8s serve up to 175 passengers.
Akasa has been taking on the Indian low-cost market by storm since it commenced operations in August last year. It has already grown to 16 destinations and shows no signs of stopping its expansion.
With India’s demand for cost-effective air travel ever high, the MAX 200 will be key to keeping fares low as the route map develops. After all, along with 20% better fuel efficiency per seat compared to many of its rivals, the 200 provides a 5% reduction in operating compared to the MAX 8.
Looking ahead
Akasa hopes that its MAX aircraft will give it a “competitive edge in its dynamic home market.” Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube highlighted that he believes the type will support his company’s goal of running a cost-efficient, reliable, and affordable operation. He is also intent on flying with the “youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.”
Photo: Akasa Air
Commenting on India’s rapid growth and the prospects to be had, Dube shared the following in a statement:
“We are already witnessing a strong recovery in air travel, and we see decades of growth ahead of us. Akasa Air’s core purpose is to help power India’s growth engine and democratize air travel by creating an inclusive environment for all Indians regardless of their socio-economic or cultural backgrounds.”
Just this week, Dube noted that he wants his airline to be nimble and efficient instead of focusing on having a label. International flights are also on the cards this year. Thus, the MAX 200 will assist with these targets.
What are your thoughts about the Boeing 737 MAX 200? How do you feel it compares to its counterparts? Let us know what you think of the aircraft and its prospects in the comment section.
Source: ch-aviation.com; Economic Times
Source: simpleflying.com
