HYDERABAD- India’s youngest and greenest LCC, Akasa Air (QP) ‘s first Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, is currently undergoing some upgrades and adjustments at the GMR MRO in Hyderabad (HYD).
Aviation A2Z’s exclusive source said that the plane arrived from Bengaluru (BLR) to HYD on August 9, 2023. Further, GMR, one of the country’s leading MRO, has a contract with Akasa Air to carry out such modifications.
Akasa 737 MAX Upgrades
The source mentioned that the aircraft is undergoing multiple changes and updates and this includes,
- The installation of Mid Exit doors
- New updates to the aircraft air distribution system
- The positioning of Aft Galleys and lavatory
- Avionics software upgrades
- Cabin overhaul
- Seat adjustments according to Akasa Air Standards
- Pre-tasks related to return to service
- Fuel nozzle replacement
These are some of the brief changes that will take around a week to be completed. After this, it is likely to enter into service.
Another source revealed that it will likely enter service in the upcoming week. Further, the airline will also send more aircraft for such adjustments to GMR MRO.
As per our knowledge, the airline has line stations in major airports such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. Further, it is looking to strengthen its presence in Delhi and Kolkata.
The Vinay Dube led carrier contract some major maintenance work to GMR, SpiceJet, and AIESL. It has also partnered with Air France (AF)- KLM (KL) maintenance to perform engineering-related works on 737 MAXs.
More details about the aircraft entering service will be updated in a few days. Subsequently, we will keep you posted, as always.
First Aircraft Type in Asia
Akasa Air welcomed the country’s first Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 type aircraft Today, August 1, 2023.
The airline celebrated this milestone and shared some highlights on its social media pages.
The airline on Twitter wrote, “Thrilled to welcome our 20th aircraft in Bengaluru today! This landmark addition to our fleet makes us the first airline in Asia to receive the Boeing 737-8-200 aircraft. #20AndCounting #ItsYourSky“
About Boeing 737 MAX 200
To cater to the demands of the rapidly expanding low-cost aviation sector, Boeing designed the 737 MAX 200.
This variant will comprise about 35 percent of the single-aisle airline capacity by 2033. Although the core of the single-aisle market will remain at 160 seats, the 737 MAX 200 will offer carriers like Ryanair (FR) the potential to generate revenue from 11 extra seats.
Future Plans
Akasa Air is considering the expansion of its network into the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and Kerala, according to sources familiar with the airline’s strategy told Moneycontrol.
Further, it is anticipated that Akasa Air could capitalize on certain advantageous time slots in these regions, as Go First (G8) might potentially release them, even if Go First recommences operations later.
After taking the 20th aircraft, the airline can start international operations.
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