Newly launched Indian LCC Akasa Air is looking to introduce its first international flights as it continues to make rapid progress in building its narrowbody fleet.
The carrier signaled via social media that it intends to launch its first international route by the end of 2023. Akasa needs just one more aircraft to meet Indian regulations regarding minimum fleet size for international operations.
Indian authorities still require airlines to have at least 20 aircraft before they can fly internationally. The government has previously also required new entrant airlines to operate domestic routes for five years before expanding overseas, but this part of the so-called 5/20 rule was dropped in 2016.
Akasa gained its air operator’s certificate in July 2022 and launched commercial services in the following month. The airline ordered a total of 76 Boeing 737-8s, of which 19 have been delivered.
The carrier is due to receive its 20th aircraft by the end of July, according to India’s Economic Times.
In a recent video interview with the Press Trust of India, Akasa CEO Vinay Dube said the carrier’s growth rate has exceeded expectations. The airline had planned to have 18 aircraft by March, but instead reached 19 by that point.
