LONDON – New start-up Indian carrier Akasa Air has signed a deal with Boeing for 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, valued at nearly $9bn, in a big win for Boeing and the MAX.

Akasa Air’s order of 72 jets will consist of 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 200 Gamechanger aircraft, as the low-cost carrier aims for fast penetration of the Indian low-cost market.

Commenting on the deal was Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President, and CEO who expressed great honor over the deal:

“We are honored that Akasa Air, an innovative airline focused on customer experience and environmental sustainability, has placed its trust in the 737 families to drive affordable passenger service in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation regions”.

Akasa Air will benefit from Boeing providing the lowest seat-mile costs for a single-aisle airplane as well as high dispatch reliability and an enhanced passenger experience.

This will make sure that Akasa Air has a competitive edge in its dynamic home market.

For Boeing, this is very good news that this deal has come through, and will place some positive sales PR on an aircraft program that has been scathed by crisis after crisis.