India’s latest startup airline Akasa Air signed a purchase contract and service agreement with CFM International to power its new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with the LEAP-1B engines. The agreement is valued at nearly $4.5 billion at list price.
In a press release dated November 17, 2021, CEO of Akasa Air, Vinay Dube stated: “The state-of-the-art, high-performance LEAP-1B engine will support our tech-driven culture by enabling real-time engine monitoring and predictive maintenance planning.”
The LEAP-1B engine entered into service on the Boeing 737 MAX in 2017. Compared to older generation CFM engines, LEAP-1B is providing fleets with better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, as well as a significant improvement in noise, according to CFM International.
During the third day of Dubai Airshow 2021, Akasa Air placed an order for 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The order comprised the 737-8 and the higher capacity 737-8200 jets.
Akasa Air is an ultra-low-cost carrier backed by Indian billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. The carrier aims to start commercial operations from mid-2022.