IndiGo Makes Historic Move with Order for 30 Airbus A350s to Fuel Long-Haul Ambitions

7 months ago Editor

Low-cost Carrier Diversifies Fleet to Capitalize on Surging International Travel Demand

image source: REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas

In a significant strategic shift, IndiGo, India’s leading airline by market share, has made its first-ever order for wide-body aircraft as it seeks to bolster its presence in the fiercely competitive international travel market. The low-cost carrier has placed an order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with deliveries slated to commence in 2027. Additionally, the airline has secured purchase rights for an additional 70 Airbus A350 family planes, signaling its long-term commitment to expanding its fleet.

While specific financial details of the deal were not disclosed, industry sources estimate the order to be worth over $9 billion, underscoring the magnitude of IndiGo’s investment in its long-haul capabilities. This move comes as Indian carriers aim to capitalize on the burgeoning air travel demand in the country, particularly in the wake of the post-pandemic recovery.

The decision to opt for the Airbus A350 represents a departure from IndiGo’s traditional reliance on narrow-body aircraft. With this new fleet addition, IndiGo is poised to unlock non-stop flight routes to key destinations in Europe, North America, Australia, and the Far East, bypassing traditional transit hubs in the Gulf region.

image source: Rolls Royce

According to Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, the acquisition of the A350s marks a pivotal moment in the airline’s evolution, positioning it as a formidable player in the global aviation landscape. The expanded fleet will enable IndiGo to offer unparalleled connectivity and convenience to passengers, further solidifying its market leadership in both domestic and international segments.

Currently commanding a dominant 60% share in India’s domestic aviation market, IndiGo aims to double its total capacity by the end of the decade, leveraging its expanded fleet to penetrate new international markets and strengthen its foothold in existing ones. The airline’s recent foray into destinations across Africa, West Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe underscores its ambitious expansion strategy.

IndiGo’s decision to opt for Airbus A350s over rival Boeing’s 787s reflects a calculated move, with analysts citing Boeing’s production challenges and Airbus’s competitive marketing efforts as key factors influencing the outcome. With this bold move, IndiGo is poised to redefine the landscape of long-haul air travel, ushering in a new era of connectivity and accessibility for passengers across the globe.