Boeing may win order for up to 80 737 Max jets from India’s Akasa

(Reuters) – Boeing Co may win an order as early as this weekend for about 70 to 80 737 MAX jets from Indian billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s startup Akasa Air, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

A deal could be announced during the Dubai Airshow, which begins on Nov. 14, the report said.

News of the potential order comes after Indian authorities in August cleared Boeing’s best-selling jet to fly, ending its regulatory grounding in a key travel market for planemakers.

Reuters had reported in September that Boeing was close to winning an order for some 70 to 100 737 MAX jets from Akasa, pending separate talks on a long-term engine service deal.

Akasa is set to launch the country’s latest ultra-low cost carrier after securing initial clearance from India’s civil aviation ministry last month.

Boeing shares were up 1.1% in afternoon trading.

“We always seek opportunities and talk with current and potential customers about how we can best support their fleet and operational needs,” Boeing said in a statement.

Akasa did not respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D’Silva, Aditya Soni)