India's newest airline Akasa Air orders four more jets

This order comes as an extension of their initial order for 72 planes, ET reported.

Akasa Air now has a total fleet of 76 aircraft, consisting of 23 Boeing 737-8s and 53 high-capacity 737-8-200 planes, the report said.

"As Akasa Air targets to commence international operations by the end of 2023, the additional order of four 737-8s will fortify the airline's plans to strengthen its expansion strategy," it said.

Akasa has set a benchmark in the 120-year history of global aviation by becoming the first airline to reach a fleet size of 19 aircraft in less than a year of operation, said Vinay Dube, founder & CEO of the airline.

"In addition to supporting our rapid domestic expansion, these airplanes allow us to take full advantage of the category leading 737-8 aircraft with its unparalleled range, as we prepare our foray into international routes," Dube said.

Akasa started with 19 planes last August and its 20th aircraft is set to join the fleet in July.

The company is on track to finalise another major three-digit plane order, he said. A deal is likely to be announced before the end of 2023, he added.

Akasa plans to have a total of 72 planes by March 2027.

It expects to start international operations by the end of 2023.

Akasa’s announcement comes close on the heels of IndiGo's massive 500-plane Airbus order placed on June 19 and Air India's finalisation of a 470-plane deal with Airbus & Boeing.