Bengaluru : Akasa Air on August 01 announced that the carrier has added the 20th aircraft to its fleet, making it eligible to fly internationally.

Regulations require airlines to have at least 20 aircraft in their fleet to become eligible for international operations. Akasa Air also became the first airline in Asia to add the 737-8-200 variant of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its fleet.

"Bearing the registration VT YAV, the airline received the ceremonial keys to the milestone aircraft in Seattle, USA on July 28, 2023, and the aircraft arrived in Bengaluru at 9:31 hours today(August 01)," the company said in a press release.

The company in an interview last month said that it is considering expanding its network to the Middle East, Southeast Asia and other parts of South Asia — Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, keeping single-class configuration on the routes.

"Today’s landmark addition to our fleet, heralds the international chapter of growth in Akasa’s story, and makes us extremely optimistic about our future. We are very excited at the prospect of showcasing our unique and distinct service to the world," said Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air.

-B