From Meredith Corporation:

After weeks of navigating another disaster related to its 737 Max aircrafts, Boeing can share some good news. Low-budget Indian airline Akasa Air announced an order of 150 Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Boeing’s first order since a ripped fuselage on a 737 Max 9 model forced an emergency landing of an Alaskan Airlines flight on Jan. 5.

Boeing has shed 15% of its market capitalization since the Jan. 5 failure. The order of jets still represents a sorely needed boost for Boeing. Akasa Air will be banking on Boeing’s sustainable innovation to make a positive impression in India’s growing aviation market.

Boeing’s new low-budget Indian customer is impressed with the environmental and performance advantages of the 737 Max aircraft.

The ordered 737 Max jets will reduce fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% and produce 50% less noise compared to older generations of planes, according to Boeing.

The addition of 150 Boeing planes will more than double Akasa Air’s fleet to 226 aircraft. Akasa Air makes up 4% of India’s market, according to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Boeing has invested in sustainable fuel and lightweight materials. However, there struggles to differentiate from Airbus, which also aims to meet sustainability goals.

Faced with supply chain delays, airlines are have to make choices for the future based on what’s available now.

Despite Boeing’s sustainability mission, experts say the 737 Max is comparable in sustainability to Airbus’ A320neo.

A David and Goliath struggle, fueling hopes and fears in the aviation sector.



Read more: Boeing gets order for 150 737 Max aircraft from India’s Akasa Air