INDIGO / B787-9 / LN-FNE

Ton Jochems - AMS
 

IndiGo's B787s parked as Europe ops suspended

 

LN-FNE

LN-FNO

IndiGo's entire fleet of widebody aircraft, consisting of six Boeing 787s that flew to various international destinations, including London, Manchester, and Amsterdam

Photos: Ton Jochems  - AMS

FLEET - IndiGo has welcomed its first Airbus A321XLR in Delhi as it prepares to launch long haul later this month.

With passenger operations scheduled to begin in late January, the arrival of the first A321XLR marks a significant shift for IndiGo, allowing it to operate long-haul flights with its own aircraft for the first time.

Although the airline already flew to destinations such as Manchester, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen, this was done with leased Boeing 787s from Norse Atlantic.

With 69 Airbus A321XLRs on order, IndiGo is poised to become the largest operator of the long-range model.

ROUTES - IndiGo goes long haul with the A321XLR in January 2026

Starting July 2025, non-stop flights connect Mumbai to Manchester, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Later this month, flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow will launch, and then there will be flights between Delhi and Manchester as well. As part of a damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways, IndiGo will induct a total of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners into its fleet by early 2026.

IndiGo also announced flights to Athens with its A321XLR in June 2025,
IndiGo expects to induct its XLR aircraft in 2025,

IndiGo has confirmed that its XLRs will feature 12 business class and 183 economy seats, offering more legroom than the current 222-232 seats on A321neos and the 12 Business and 208 Economy configuration on Stretch Cabin routes.

 

ORDER / FLEET - IndiGo places firm order for 30 additional A350-900 Airbus aircraft

New Delhi, India, October 17, 2025 - IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has finalised a commitment for 30 Airbus A350 aircraft, converting a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June into a firm order. This brings the airline's total A350 orders to 60 aircraft. The expanded order marks a strategic shift for IndiGo as it prepares to enter the long-haul international market, leveraging the A350’s long range and efficiency to support its global ambitions.

“Today is a special day for IndiGo as we solidify our commitment to expanding our international footprint and offering unparalleled connectivity to our customers,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo. “The conversion of this MoU into a firm order for 30 additional A350-900s is a testament to our confidence in the future of Indian aviation and our strategic partnership with Airbus, further reinforced by the strong start of our long-haul operations. In line with India’s vision of becoming a global aviation hub and our aspiration to establish ourselves as a leading global aviation player by 2030, IndiGo is taking decisive steps forward. These aircraft, as they join our fleet in the years to come, will play a pivotal role in enabling IndiGo expand its reach, connect India with more destinations across the globe, and offer our customers new international travel opportunities.”

“The A350’s unparalleled fuel efficiency, range and passenger comfort perfectly align with IndiGo’s ambitious growth plans and international long-haul network ambitions. This milestone reinforces our strong partnership with one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, and we look forward to supporting their expansion into new long-haul markets,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus.

India, the world’s fastest growing aviation market, is witnessing a surge in international travel as the economy grows and household incomes rise. The A350 is perfectly positioned to serve the country’s aspirations for long-range travel.

Bound in a strategic relationship of growth with India for more than half a century, Airbus products and services have catalysed the growth of the country’s civil aviation sector. While the A320 Family aircraft are supporting the democratisation of air travel in India, the A350 has become the reference aircraft to unlock the potential of the international market for the Indian carriers.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be 100% SAF-capable by 2030.

At the end of September 2025, the A350 had won more than 1,400 orders from 63 customers worldwide.

 

ROUTES - INDIGO SCHEDULES MUMBAI – LONDON HEATHROW LATE-OCT 2025 LAUNCH

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo on Monday (06OCT25) opened reservations for its latest route to Europe, as the carrier schedules Mumbai – London Heathrow route. From 26OCT25, this route will be served on daily basis, with Norse Atlantic 787-9.

6E001 BOM1310 – 1745LHR 789 5
6E001 BOM1445 – 1920LHR 789 x5

6E002 LHR1950 – 1005+1BOM 789 5
6E002 LHR2110 – 1120+1BOM 789 4
6E002 LHR2130 – 1145+1BOM 789 x45

Photo: Ton Jochems 

ROUTES - IndiGo to launch daily direct flights to London Heathrow from October 2025

As part of its 19th anniversary celebrations and international expansion, IndiGo has announced the launch of daily, direct flights between India and London Heathrow starting 26 October 2025, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways.

This marks a major step in IndiGo’s long-haul growth strategy and will significantly enhance connectivity between India and the UK, pending regulatory approval.

The move strengthens IndiGo’s presence in Europe, following its direct flights to Manchester and Amsterdam, and partnerships with Delta, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic to connect India with Europe and North America.

IndiGo has also upgraded the product on select international routes. Starting 09 August 2025, IndiGo will start offering its tailor-made business product, IndiGoStretch on flights connecting Singapore to Delhi and Mumbai, as it will operate its two-class A321 aircraft on the routes.

Similarly, the airline will introduce IndiGoStretch on flights between Delhi and Dubai from 30 August 2025, and flights between Mumbai and Dubai starting 03 September 2025.

IndiGo, now operating over 400 aircraft, is also expanding its wide-body fleet and international footprint, aiming to become a key player in global aviation.

CH Aviation
 

ROUTES - INDIGO EXPANDS EUROPE SERVICE FROM LATE-SEP 2025

IndiGo from late-September 2025 plans to expand service to Europe, as the airline this week opened reservations for additional flights to Amsterdam and Manchester.

Mumbai – Amsterdam eff 22SEP25 Increase from 3 to 6 weekly, 1 daily from 13OCT25
6E021 BOM0520 – 1100AMS 789 x1
6E021 BOM0520 – 1140AMS 789 1
6E022 AMS1400 – 0225+1BOM 789 D

Mumbai – Manchester eff 22SEP25 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, 787-9
6E031 BOM0425 – 1005MAN 789 x357
6E032 MAN1205 – 0155+1BOM 789 x357

Photo: INDIGO

ROUTES / FLEET - IndiGo goes long-haul: Launches direct flights between Mumbai and Amsterdam

LN-FNC B787-9 Indigo (Norse c_s) AMS
Photo: Ton Jochems

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, today marked yet another milestone in its international expansion journey with the launch of direct flights between CSM International airport, Mumbai and Schiphol airport, Amsterdam.
This is the airline’s second long-haul route, following the
successful introduction of services to Manchester yesterday.
This move signifies effective execution of IndiGo’s internationalisation strategy –‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’.
It is also a bold step forward in its vision to become a global airline and to further elevate India’s position on the global aviation map.

The new Mumbai–Amsterdam service will operate thrice weekly with IndiGo’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Schiphol airport, Amsterdam is one of the world’s busiest airports and a key European hub.
This route not only bolsters the airline’s fast-growing international network but also underlines its commitment to making long-haul travel more accessible, efficient, and affordable for Indian travellers. With this launch, customers flying to and from Amsterdam can seamlessly connect to the entire Europe, North America and Canada; and on IndiGo’s unparalleled domestic network of over 90 destinations within India.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “Spreading our wings further in Europe, we are delighted to launch our Mumbai–Amsterdam flights, connecting India to the world.

We are committed to delivering a seamless and enhanced experience to our customers at great value, promoting direct traffic between India and Europe.

This route will not only enhance connectivity for leisure, business, and student travellers, but also deepen the thriving partnership between India and the Netherlands—culturally, economically, and
diplomatically.
In collaboration with Schiphol Airport and other local partners, we look forward to welcoming
our customers and providing them a hassle-free and enjoyable flying experience.”

Our Boeing 787-9 aircraft (damp leased from Norse Atlantic Airways), operating this route, boasts a spacious double-aisle design, featuring 56 IndiGoStretch seats in a comfortable 2x3x2 configuration, with an impressive 43-inch seat pitch. The economy class offers 282 seats in a 3x3x3 configuration, offering a generous 31-inch seat pitch for a comfortable travel experience.

All seats feature seatback screens for in-flight entertainment with around 300 hours of entertainment with movies and TV shows across various genres such as comedy, romance, drama and action. Celebrating India and its unique cuisines, the airline

has specially curated complimentary hot meals and beverages in collaboration with iconic home-grown
Indian brands, for all its customers.

Flight Schedule:

Flight No. Origin Destination Frequency Effective Departure Arrival

6E 0021 Mumbai Amsterdam Wed, Fri, Sun 2-Jul-25 5:20 11:00

6E 0022 Amsterdam Mumbai Mon, Wed, Fri 2-Jul-25 14:00 02:25

*All timings in local time zones.

IndiGo’s long-haul journey is being powered by the induction of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners through a damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways, supporting the airline’s near-term expansion in Europe and Asia.
The first of these aircraft began operations on the Mumbai–Bangkok route earlier this year.
Looking ahead, the airline’s long-haul fleet will be further strengthened by the arrival of Airbus A321XLRs later this year and Airbus A350-900s from 2027, enabling deeper international penetration across continents.

IndiGo has been recently recognised as the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ at the prestigious 2025 World Airline Awards by Skytrax, a testimony of trust and validation by customers across the world.
INDIGO

ORDER - IndiGo Airlines to order up to fifty ATR72-600s

IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) is considering ordering between 30 and 50 new ATR72-600s, the Indian newspaper Business Standard reported citing unnamed industry sources. The airline could place an order for the aircraft during the upcoming Paris Air Show, which will take place between June 16 and June 22.

Negotiations for the acquisition of ATR72-600s have reportedly been ongoing since 2024. There is a possibility the order could be expanded to more than 50 units.

ch-aviation asked IndiGo Airlines for comment but it was not immediately available.

According to ch-aviation Commercial Aviation Aircraft Data, the airline currently operates forty-eight ATR72-600s with an average age of 4.8 years. The airline has configured the cabins of the ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops with 78 seats in a single-class layout.
Photo: ATR

 

ROUTES - INDIGO 2H25 INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CHANGES – 08JUN25

IndiGo in recent weeks filed additional changes to its planned international service in the second half of 2025, between 01JUL25 and 25OCT25. Latest update as of 08JUN25 includes the following, which certain adjustments, including the end of leased Qatar Airways 737 MAX operations, has been reported in the past on AeroRoutes.



Bangalore – Doha eff 13AUG25 A321neo replaces Qatar 737 MAX, 1 daily

Bangalore – Singapore 01JUL25 – 10SEP25 Reduce from 2 to 1 daily, A320neo


Chennai – Doha eff 26AUG25 A320neo replaces Qatar 737 MAX, 1 daily


Chennai – Muscat 3 weekly A320neo service scheduled until 19SEP25


Chennai – Singapore 01JUL25 – 20SEP25 Reduce from 3 to 2 daily, A320neo/321neo


Delhi – Baku eff 30JUN25 Service resumption since late-April 2025, 3 weekly A320neo (1 daily from 16SEP25)
Delhi – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi eff 30JUN25 A321neo replaces A320eo, 1 daily (The 787-9 operation is now scheduled until 29JUN25, instead of 30JUN25)


Delhi – Doha eff 19AUG25 All service operated by A320neo, 2 daily (Replacing Qatar 737 MAX)
Delhi – Istanbul eff 01SEP25 222-seater A321neo replaces 531-seater 777-300ER, 1 daily 


Hyderabad – Bahrain 4 weekly A320neo service scheduled until 19SEP25


Hyderabad – Doha 
eff 06AUG25 All service operated by A320neo, replacing A320neo and Qatar 737 MAX
eff 12AUG25 7 of 20 weekly A321neo replaces A320neo



Hyderabad – Madinah eff 02JUL25 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, A320ceo operates along with A320neo
Hyderabad – Sharjah eff 02JUL25 A320neo operates 1 daily, instead of A320ceo/320neo


Kannur – Doha eff 12AUG25 Reduce from 7 to 6 weekly, all service operated by A320neo, instead of Qatar 737 MAX and IndiGo A320neo


Kannur – Muscat 3 weekly A320neo service scheduled until 20SEP25


Kochi – Doha eff 04AUG25 A320neo replaces Qatar 737 MAX, 6 weekly (Increase to 1 daily from 12AUG25)


Kolkata – Dhaka 15JUN25 – 20SEP25 Reduce from 2 to 1 daily, A320neo


Kolkata – Singapore 01JUL25 – 21SEP25 Reduce from 7 to 5 weekly, A320neo


Mumbai – Almaty eff 01JUL25 4 weekly A320neo, new route (Previously served from Delhi until late-April 2025)


Mumbai – Amsterdam eff 02JUL25 3 weekly 787-9, new route


Mumbai – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi eff 01JUL25 Increase from 1 to 2 daily, A320neo


Mumbai – Doha eff 31JUL25 Reduce from 3 to 2 daily, all service operated by A320neo instead of Qatar 737 MAX from 05AUG25


Mumbai – Istanbul eff 01SEP25 222-seater A321neo replaces 531-seater 777-300ER, 1 daily


Mumbai – Male eff 01JUL25 1 daily service moves to overnight/early-morning hours, A320neo
6E1131 BOM0440 – 0700MLE 32N D
6E1132 MLE2225 – 0150+1BOM 32N D



Mumbai – Manchester eff 01JUL25 3 weekly 787-9, new route


Mumbai – Phuket eff 01JUL25 2nd daily service resume after 3-month hiatus, A320neo


Mumbai – Tashkent eff 01AUG25 4 weekly A320neo, new route (Previously served from Delhi until late-April 2025)


Mumbai – Tbilisi eff 02AUG25 3 weekly A320neo, new route

Despite IndiGo ending the lease of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with Turkish Airlines, the carrier earlier this month placed “6E” coded flight numbers on Turkish Airlines service to Sao Paulo.

Aeroroutes

ORDER - IndiGo expands A350-order

 During the yearly IATA-conference in Delhi, IndiGo announced it is planning to expand its current Airbus A350-orders to 60, doubling its commitment to the type. The first A350-900 is scheduled to be delivered in 2026.

The additional order is part of the airline's expansion plan, which sees strengthening its partnerships with Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines. It's also planning an extensive international expansion with new flights between India and Europe starting this summer.

Starting July 2025, IndiGo is wet-leasing six Boeing B787s from Norse Atlantic Airways. It will initially use these for flights from Mumbai to Amsterdam and Manchester. Later, flights to Copenhagen and London will be added. Athens will also be a new destination, but this will be served by its new A321XLRs, of which the first is due soon.

At this moment, IndiGo's widebody-fleet consists of two, from Turkish Airlines, wet-leased Boeing B777-300ERs. These leases are, however, in jeapordy as the Indian government has decided to not allow the airline to continue to lease the aircraft as Turkey provided support to Pakistan during the recent spat between India and Pakistan.

The rest of the airline's fleet is made-up of 48 ATR72-600s, 27 A320s, 214 A320neos, three A321-200P2Fs, 140 A321neos, and six B737-8s (leased from Qatar Airways).

Next to its A350s, IndiGo has open orders with Airbus for 235 A320neos and 649 A321neos.

Image:  Airbus.

FLEET - IndiGo Airlines damp-leases two more B787-9s

IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) will damp-lease two more B787-9 from Norse Atlantic Airways, expanding the existing contract for four aircraft of the type from the Norwegian airline. The two additional B787-9s are expected to start operating in IndiGo's network by early 2026, the low-cost carrier announced.The damp-lease agreement has an initial duration of six months, with the possibility of extension up to 18 months, subject to regulatory approval.
Norse Atlantic Airways has been operating one B787-9 LN-FNC (msn 38790) for IndiGo since March 1, 2025, with three more set to be deployed on IndiGo's routes in the second half of 2025.
IndiGo recently announced plans to start new services from India to Manchester and Amsterdam Schiphol in July 2025 as part of its drive to connect its home market with European destinations. The company intends to utilise Norse's aircraft on long-haul routes, eventually replacing them with A350-900s. IndiGo has 30 widebody aircraft on order from Airbus, and the first jet is scheduled to arrive in 2027.
Despite the ambitious plans to expand its reach to Europe, the airline has not yet scheduled any services.
Norse Atlantic Airways currently operates eight B787-9s, while its subsidiary Norse Atlantic (United Kingdom) has four of the type. The new contract with IndiGo aligns with Norse's strategy to diversify its revenue streams by focusing more on ACMI and charter operations.
CH Aviation
Photo: Duncan Stewart

FLEET / ROUTES - India's IndiGo to debut European routes in early 3Q25

IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) announced it will open new routes from India to Manchester and Amsterdam Schiphol starting in July 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. The carrier's first European routes will be operated with B787-9s damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways.

The airline has not revealed from which Indian airport it will serve the two routes. IndiGo plans to operate each of them 3x weekly and does not rule out the possibility of increasing the frequencies before the year's end, contingent on the arrival of additional widebody aircraft.

ch-aviation research shows that IndiGo did not previously apply for slots at Manchester for the Summer 2025 season, and has yet to acquire or lease them.

Manchester does not currently have any direct scheduled services to India, except for 2x weekly TUI Airways scheduled charters to Goa Mopa. On the other hand, Amsterdam has direct flights to Mumbai International and Bengaluru International operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The Dutch flag carrier and Air India also connect the city with Delhi International.

IndiGo recently signed damp-lease agreements with Norse Atlantic Airways for four B787-9s. The first aircraft, LN-FNC (msn 38790), entered into revenue service on the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi route on March 1.

The Indian carrier operates 406 aircraft, including narrowbody jets and turboprops. It has a further 925 aircraft on order, mainly for A320neo Family aircraft, with the exception of thirty A350-900s. The delivery of the first A350 for IndiGo, its first in-house widebody, is scheduled for 2027. The airline is in discussions with Airbus about an acceleration of deliveries.

IndiGo plans to open more routes to Europe with the arrival of the A350s and A321-200NY(XLR)s, of which the airline has 69 on order.

CH Aviation 

FLEET - IndiGo (India) is likely to take delivery of its first A321XLR by June 2025, which will allow the airline to fly directly to western European and far-eastern countries from India.

All 69 XLRs are expected by 20230, with the first of 30 A350-900s due in 2027.

 

FLEET - IndiGo Airlines to damp-lease B787-9 in late 1Q25

IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) has signed a firm agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways (N0, Oslo Gardermoen) to damp-lease one B787-9 for at least six months, in line with the Indian carrier's plans to expand its international network in 2025.

The aircraft, LN-FNC (msn 38790) is due to arrive in India "in the next few weeks" and expected to begin revenue flights for IndiGo Airlines in March 2025, the carriers said. The six-month agreement may be extended up to 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals. The airline said it would "continue exploring opportunities to contract additional aircraft" but did not confirm if any more deals had already been signed.

LN-FNC is 6.8 years old and was first delivered to Norwegian (Oslo Gardermoen) in May 2018, remaining with that carrier until March 2022. It joined the Norse Atlantic Airways fleet in February 2022.

The unit, which is owned by AerCap, is equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines and configured with 56 premium economy and 282 economy seats.

Previous reports suggested IndiGo Airlines may lease up to six B787-9s from Norse Atlantic Airways in 2025, while it continues discussions with Airbus to speed up the deliveries of its first firm-ordered A350-900s. Local media reported at the time that the first two B787-9s were to begin flying for the carrier in February 2025, followed by the other four in September 2025.

The airframes would allow the Indian carrier to launch its first widebody long-haul routes and could be deployed to Europe, in line with its strategy to become a global airline by 2030. London and Paris have been flagged as potential initial destinations.

IndiGo Airlines does not currently operate any in-house widebodies. The ch-aviation fleets module shows it wet-leases two B777-300ERs from Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul Airport) which operate exclusively between Istanbul Airport and Mumbai International and Delhi International. The first of thirty A350-900s that it ordered in 2024 are only due for delivery in 2027.

Norse Atlantic Airways operates a fleet of eight B787-9s, four of which are currently inactive. Subsidiary Norse Atlantic (United Kingdom) operates another four units of the type. The airline announced in December 2024 that its had signed a letter of intent with an unnamed "reputable international airline" to wet-lease out six of its B787-9s as it seeks to reduce business risk by securing longer-term ACMI contracts.

CH Aviation

Photo: Boeing

 

ROUTES / FLEET - IndiGo (India) is planning London Heathrow, Amsterdam, and Paris CDG flights before its previous set 2027 date, utilizing six wet leased B787-9s.

Photo: INDIGO
 

FLEET - IndiGo Airlines eyes six B787-9s on wet-lease in 2025

IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) will reportedly wet-lease six B787-9s from Norse Atlantic Airways (N0, Oslo Gardermoen) in 2025, while it is simultaneously in talks with Airbus about accelerating the deliveries of its first firm-ordered A350-900s to hasten its entry into the long-haul market.

The Economic Times reported that the first two B787-9s would begin flying for IndiGo Airlines in February 2025, followed by the other four in September 2025. The aircraft would allow the Indian carrier to launch its first widebody long-haul routes and could be deployed to Europe. London and Paris have been flagged as potential initial destinations.

IndiGo Airlines does not currently operate any in-house widebodies. It wet-leases two B777-300ERs from Turkish Airlines, but the aircraft are deployed exclusively on flights to Istanbul Airport from Mumbai International and Delhi International.

Neither Norse Atlantic Airways nor IndiGo Airlines responded to ch-aviation's request for comment.

The Norwegian airline recently disclosed plans to wet-lease six of its B787-9s to an unnamed "reputable international airline" as it seeks to grow the share of ACMI contracts in its revenues. The carrier's fleet, split between the Norwegian AOC and Norse Atlantic (United Kingdom), comprises twelve B787-9s.

The wet-lease would be facilitated by India's changing regulatory environment. While the country has historically had a restrictive policy towards ACMI contracts, it recently began relaxing it to support the growth of domestic airlines despite the limited supply of new aircraft on the market.

Separately, IndiGo Airlines told the local media that it was in talks with Airbus to accelerate the deliveries of firm-ordered A350-900s. The carrier plans to take 30 units of the type, and the first one was initially scheduled to enter into service in 2027.

CH Aviation

FLEET / ORDER - IndiGo Airlines orders 30+70 A350-900s

IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) has placed its first widebody order, covering thirty A350-900s coming directly from Airbus with a further 70 purchase rights.

The widebodies will start delivering to the Indian low-cost carrier in 2027. IndiGo Airlines said the exact configuration would be determined at a later stage.

Despite long-standing speculation about its widebody ambitions and the ongoing long-term damp lease of two B777-300(ER)s from Turkish Airlines, IndiGo Airlines has thus far focused on growing its in-house narrowbody and regional fleet.

The carrier currently operates twenty A320-200s, 192 A320-200Ns, ninety-four A321-200NX, and forty-five ATR72-600s, as well as three A321-200(P2F)s. It has unfilled orders for 273 A320-200Ns, 608 A321-200NX, sixty-nine A321-200NY(XLR)s (expected to enter into service in 2025), and five ATR72-600s. Its 2023 order for 500 A320neo aircraft was the largest-ever commitment in terms of the number of aircraft.

IndiGo also wet-leases thirteen A320-200s from SmartLynx Airlines/SmartLynx Airlines Estonia/SmartLynx Airlines Malta and will damp-lease five B737-8s from Qatar Airways due to the ongoing Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine issues. The ch-aviation fleets module shows that fifty A320neo and fourteen A321neo are inactive.

CH Aviation

 

FLLET / ORDER - India's IndiGo Airlines firms order for A320neo family jets

IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) has firmed up an order for another ten A320neo, adding to its already substantial backlog at Airbus. The manufacturer's March 2024 order and delivery update reveals the Indian LCC committed to the ten aircraft on March 15.

In early September 2023, IndiGo's parent entity, InterGlobe Aviation Limited, told India's National Stock Exchange (NSE) that its board had approved the order for the ten aircraft but the purchase contract had yet to be signed. The filing also noted that the aircraft were to be part of a 300-strong order placed back in 2019. That order was for a mix of A320neo and A321neo types including the A321-200NY(XLR).

According to the ch-aviation PRO airlines module, IndiGo Airlines presently operates 368 aircraft, including thirty-two (including 12 wet-leased) A320-200s, 192 A320-200Ns, ninety-four A321-200NX, three A321-200(P2F)s, forty-five ATR72-600s, and two wet-leased B777-300ERs.

Following a firm order for another 500 aircraft in June 2023, IndiGo's orderbook at Airbus totals 941 aircraft and includes one A320-200, 263 A320-200Ns, 384 A321-200Ns, 224 A321-200NX, and sixty-nine A321-200NY(XLR)s. It also has a further five ATR72-600s due from ATR - Avions de Transport Régional.

Speaking at the recent Asia Aviation Festival in Singapore, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said the existing orderbook was "a wonderful asset" and would see the airline average one delivery every week for the next decade. "We have a target to double in size by the end of the decade and that's backed up by our fleet orders," he said. "The demand in India will not slow down. It will continue to keep growing."