Akasa Air has agreed a further sale-and-leaseback deal with Avolon covering up to seven Boeing 737 MAX 8-200s.
Under the arrangement, aircraft from the Indian low-cost carrier’s Boeing orderbook will be sold to Avolon and leased back to the airline. This will allow Akasa Air to release capital while retaining use of the jets. Financial terms and a delivery timetable have not been disclosed.
Akasa currently operates an all-737 MAX fleet of 40 aircraft. This comprises 23 standard 737 MAX 8s and 17 of the higher-capacity 737 MAX 8-200s. The latter are configured with 197 seats in an all-economy layout. Akasa became the first Asian operator of the high-density variant in 2023.
The latest financing agreement forms part of Akasa’s expansion programme. Boeing’s current order data lists 226 MAX aircraft for the carrier, accumulated through three separate purchases, including a major commitment for 150 jets announced in 2023.
Avolon said the additional aircraft would help support Akasa’s continued growth in India, which the lessor described as one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets.
