On August 14, 2026, leasing giant Avolon announced the sale and leaseback of up to seven Boeing 737-8200 aircraft to Indian carrier Akasa Air.
Selling aircraft in its order book to Avolon and then leasing them back gives Akasa Air the ability to free up financial resources for other uses, while continuing to operate the aircraft as normal.
The Boeing 737-8200, also sometimes referred to as B737-8-200, is the densest version of the B737 MAX 8 aircraft. It is certified to carry up to 210 passengers, even if Akasa Air operates the type with a 197-seat configuration.
This private Indian carrier, which in 2023 became the first operator of the type in Asia, operates 17 Boeing 737-8200s, all fitted with 197 seats in a single class cabin.
The relationship between Avolon and Akasa Air is not new. The leasing giant has been providing B737-family aircraft to Akasa Air since the carrier’s early days. For example, between December 2022 and January 2023, just a few months after the airline’s launch, the leasing giant delivered five standard B737 MAX 8 aircraft to Akasa Air.
Although smaller than India’s two largest airlines, namely IndiGo and the Air India group, Akasa Air has emerged as the third largest player in the Indian air travel market. In this context, the Boeing 737-8200, with its efficient per-seat economics, allows Akasa Air to capitalize on the fast-growing demand for low-cost air travel in India.