The potential order, reported by Bloomberg News on Thursday, could significantly increase Akasa Air’s presence in India’s increasingly competitive aviation market.
People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the airline is expected to make a decision on the proposed purchase early next year, while negotiations and commercial terms could be finalised in the second half of 2027.
The additional aircraft would support Akasa’s planned fleet expansion beyond 2032, according to the report.
Akasa Air and Boeing did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment on the reported discussions.
Rapid Fleet Growth
The potential order comes as Akasa continues to build its fleet around Boeing’s 737 MAX family, which is designed to offer improved fuel efficiency and operating economics compared with earlier-generation aircraft.
The Mumbai-based airline began commercial operations in 2022 and has rapidly expanded its network since then. It currently operates 43 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and already has orders for a further 226 planes, with deliveries scheduled over the next decade.
An order for more than 200 additional aircraft would therefore represent a significant escalation of the airline's long-term growth ambitions and would potentially give it a much larger aircraft pipeline extending well into the 2030s.
The expansion is taking place against the backdrop of strong growth in India's domestic aviation sector, where airlines are adding aircraft and routes to meet rising passenger demand.
Capacity Target
Akasa is also targeting a substantial increase in its near-term capacity as it continues to strengthen its position in the Indian market.
The airline is aiming for a 30 per cent increase in capacity by March 2027, according to comments made by its finance chief in June.
The carrier is also considering taking part in the Indian government's emergency credit guarantee scheme, reflecting the financial demands associated with rapid fleet and network expansion.
If completed, the reported Boeing order would further underline Akasa's long-term ambitions in a market where established carriers and newer entrants are competing aggressively for passengers and aircraft.
For Boeing, meanwhile, a deal of more than 200 737 MAX jets would represent a significant potential order from one of India's emerging airlines and reinforce the manufacturer's relationship with a carrier that has built its fleet around the aircraft since launching operations.