Akasa Air is preparing to broaden its footprint beyond domestic skies, eyeing markets such as China and parts of Africa. But the carrier’s plans are being tested by delays in new aircraft deliveries from Boeing, a bottleneck that limits how quickly it can scale international operations.
Growth ambitions meet delivery delays
The airline runs a compact fleet of 30 aircraft. That size makes careful aircraft timing essential: new planes are needed to launch longer routes and increase frequencies without shrinking domestic service. Delivery delays from Boeing mean the airline must postpone or slow international growth until more jets arrive.
Fleet constraints and capacity goals
With a small fleet, every aircraft matters. Akasa has stated a desire to raise its share of international capacity, but that goal depends on expanding its usable fleet. Until deliveries catch up, the carrier faces trade-offs between growing overseas and maintaining its domestic network.
Markets in sight: China and Africa
China and African destinations offer different opportunities. China can bring business and leisure demand on high-density routes, while Africa presents untapped regional connectivity and opening corridors for new demand. Both require operational scale, route rights, and sustained frequency—things that are harder to secure with limited aircraft resources.
Possible short-term moves
To keep momentum without new jets, the airline may explore several practical steps:
- Leasing aircraft temporarily to bridge capacity gaps.
- Codeshares and partnerships to expand network reach without immediate fleet growth.
- Optimised scheduling to squeeze more utilization from existing planes.
Ultimately, the timing of Boeing deliveries will shape how fast the airline can boost its international presence. For now, ambition is clear, but execution depends on aircraft availability and smart interim strategies.