TBM Staff - Mumbai
IndiGo has charted a clear path forward with its recent order of wide-body aircraft. The airline aims to establish multiple hubs across the country, offering direct connections to distant destinations from various metro cities using Airbus A350 and Airbus A321 XLR (extra long range) aircraft, slated to join its fleet starting from 2025.
The Airbus A321 XLR planes are envisioned for non-stop flights lasting 7-8 hours, catering to routes to Europe and the Far East countries.
During a conference call discussing the induction of wide-body aircraft, Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, highlighted the potential for various strongholds across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Given India’s geographical position, the airline is optimistic about facilitating overlapping and unique connections through different metro cities.
Elbers emphasised the need for Indian carriers to compete effectively in international markets beyond 5-6 hours, where their market share has seen a decline. IndiGo’s firm order of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, placed on April 25, is poised to address this challenge. These aircraft will enable non-stop flights to destinations in Europe, the UK, the US, and Australia from India.
IndiGo’s decision to order the A350-900 aircraft aligns with the government’s ambition to establish global aviation hubs in the country. The airline also secured purchase rights for an additional 70 Airbus A350 family aircraft, underscoring its commitment to long-term growth and international expansion.
The induction of these wide-body aircraft reflects IndiGo’s strategic vision to deploy 30% of its seat capacity on international routes, up from the current 27%. The airline plans to maintain cost leadership in its wide-body product while exploring opportunities to enhance passenger experience.
With the introduction of the A350-900, powered by Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engines, IndiGo aims to provide direct connectivity to passengers, catering to their evolving travel aspirations. The aircraft’s long-range capabilities and spacious design are poised to elevate the airline’s service offering.
India’s wide-body fleet is relatively small compared to other major aviation markets globally. IndiGo’s ambitious fleet expansion plans aim to address this gap and bolster the country’s connectivity on both domestic and international routes.
With a fleet of over 350 aircraft, IndiGo continues to expand its network, connecting more than 85 domestic and around 30 international destinations. The addition of 30 wide-body A350 aircraft underscores the airline’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for air travel in India and beyond.
