Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed Akasa Air to start flying by July-end, says Vinay Dube

NEW DELHI: Billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed Akasa Air will take to the skies from next month-end and ticket sales could begin by early July.
The budget carrier’s first Boeing 737 MAX landed in Delhi on Tuesday which will be used to perform proving flights to get the air operator permit (AOP, or licence).
“We will start operations with two aircraft (which is set to happen shortly). Proving flight is expected in next one week and the AOP expected in a fortnight,” Akasa founder, MD & CEO Vinay Dube said.
The airline expects to have 20 B737 MAX by next summer and will then begin international flights in the second half of 2023.
Akasa has ordered 72 ordered B 737 MAX. It will get 18 B737 MAX by next March and the remaining 54 over next four years.