Akasa Air, which is funded by billionaire businessman Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, received the first 737 Max aircraft from Boeing on Thursday.
"Congratulations @AkasaAir on the delivery of your first 737-8! We are excited for you and your passengers," tweeted by Boeing India.
Last month, the airline unveiled photos of its first Boeing 737 Max aircraft as it prepared for delivery from the assembly site in Portland, Oregon.
According to a statement released by the airline last month, the Max will be powered by the fuel-efficient CFM LEAP B engine. "Providing the lowest seat-mile costs for a single-aisle airplane as well as high dispatch reliability and an enhanced passenger experience, the 737 Max is one of the strategic factors that will give Akasa Air a competitive edge in its dynamic home market," it said.
"This is indeed a symbolic milestone in the journey of Akasa Air, bringing us one step closer to the process of obtaining our Air Operator's Permit (AOP) and leading to our commercial launch," said Vinay Dube, Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of Akasa Air, in response to the successful delivery of the first aircraft on Thursday.
Mr Jhunjhunwala has formed a partnership with Aditya Ghosh, the former CEO of IndiGo, and Vinay Dube, the former CEO of Jet Airways, to start a domestic airline to meet demand.
Akasa Air sealed an agreement with Boeing on November 26 last year to acquire 72 Max jets, three months after the Indian aviation regulator DGCA granted the planes the green light.
