The order rollercoaster continues, with Indian carrier IndiGo signing for a further 30 Airbus A350 aircraft.
IndiGo 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. With India being one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, IndiGo is hoping to capitalise on the market, with aircraft to serve its planned network.
Currently, IndiGo uses Wet-Leased aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways and Turkish Airlines whilst it awaits its first Airbus A350 deliveries.
In Quotes
Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, said:
“Today is a special day for IndiGo as we solidify our commitment to expanding our international footprint and offering unparalleled connectivity to our customers,”
“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.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus, added:
“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,” .
Continuing the growth
IndiGo is continuing its hurtling growth, with the airline having over 430 aircraft in service. That pales into the backlog, with over 230 Airbus A320neo, 560 Airbus A321neo, 69 Airbus A321XLR and now, 60 Airbus A350-900s added to the queue.
That’s a lot of aircraft and seats to fill, as IndiGo continues to grow its network. With the A320 family helping to open up domestic and short-haul travel, and the A350 planned to open up the long-haul routes.
We’ll have to see if it’s sustainable in the long term,
For Airbus, it has more orders in the queue and backlog, with the A350 having won more than 1,400 orders from 63 customers worldwide, building on the type’s success.
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