India's newest airline Akasa Air has made another big announcement about its initial flight network. The airline has added the Bengaluru-Mumbai sector to its schedule – an already crowded route – as the last flight of its first phase of network development. The airline has also received its second 737 MAX aircraft, as it looks to launch flights in less than two weeks.

Bengaluru-Mumbai route to see more action

Passengers looking for more flight options between Bengaluru and Mumbai have reasons to cheer, as India's latest airline Akasa Air has announced 28 weekly flights between the two metro cities.

This will be the carrier's third route, beginning on August 19th, after it starts operations with Mumbai-Ahemdabad flights on August 7th and launches flights between Bengaluru and Kochi on August 12th.

The airline opened bookings for ticket sales and unveiled its customer experience strategy with several services and product choices on July 22nd. The reaction to the initial flights has been great, with reports suggesting several of them are booked to capacity.

First phase schedule

The latest flight completes Akasa Air's announcement of the inaugural phase of its network development across key cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kochi and Bengaluru, making a total of 82 weekly flights available within the first few weeks of its operations. Delhi has been notably absent from its launch schedule, but reports suggest that Akasa has secured two parking bays there and will soon start flights from the city.

Here's what its initial schedule looks like:

Second plane arrives

On July 26th, Akasa also welcomed its second Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The aircraft – registered YT-YAB – is crucial for Akasa Air as it plans 80+ weekly flights in the first month of its launch.

The carrier will add an additional two aircraft each month and, by the end of 2023, expects to have 18 aircraft. It also plans to add another 12 to 14 planes every 12 months, which will make up its order of 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, delivered over five years.

Akasa has also been highlighting the features of its aircraft and the services passengers can expect. It revealed the first images of its brand-new cabin, claiming to provide softer seat cushions and spacious legroom.

Keeping true to the low-cost traditions, Akasa's flights will offer a buy-on-board meal service offering a choice of fusion meals and various other options such as pasta, Vietnamese rice rolls, hot chocolate, and a year-round festival menu inspired by Indian cuisines and celebrations.