IndiGo is exploring the early introduction of wide-body planes to meet growing international travel demand. Industry sources say the airline is in talks with Norse Atlantic Airways to wet-lease six B787 aircraft. Under a wet-lease, the lessor provides the plane, crew, and maintenance. IndiGo had previously ordered 30 A350 wide-body planes in April, with deliveries set for 2027. Meanwhile, competitor Air India has expanded its use of wide-body planes for both domestic and long-range international routes. IndiGo, with a fleet of 427 planes, already operates two B777 wide-body aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines on India-Istanbul routes. The airline, which began offering business class in September, is keen to increase its premium offerings.
In a statement, the airline said, “IndiGo is committed to constantly evolve to provide our customers an alternate and differentiated travel experience, which is best in class. In April, IndiGo announced the order for wide-body A350-900 aircraft with deliveries starting 2027 and alongside the XLR aircraft expected next year (2025), IndiGo is well positioned to expand our geographic reach and serve the ever-growing demand for international travel to and from India.” “In order to address this growing demand and in keeping also in mind global supply chain challenges, IndiGo is exploring interim solutions for an earlier introduction of long range aircraft to its fleet. Route and network opportunities related to these solutions are being explored at present,” it added. IndiGo’s discussions with Norse Atlantic Airways are happening at a time when the Central government is close to allowing airlines to operate wet-leased wide body planes on new routes. The government is considering this measure as the new aircraft supply from Boeing and Airbus have slowed in the last several months due to supply chain issues, etc. To meet growing demand in the country’s air travel market, Indian carriers have made four significant aircraft orders since last year. In February 2023, the Tata-run Air India Group placed an order for 470 planes: 250 with Airbus and 220 with American plane maker Boeing. (Source: The Business Standard)