IndiGo, India’s one of the top domestic airline, is making a bold move with its recent aircraft order.
They’re getting their first wide-body planes, and they’re aiming high. These new planes, Airbus A350 and Airbus A321 XLR, are set to join the fleet by 2025. With them, IndiGo plans to create hubs in India that connect directly to far-off places from major cities.
The Airbus A321 XLR planes will be perfect for long, non-stop flights of 7 to 8 hours, reaching destinations in Europe and the Far East, as reported by Mint.
During a recent conference call, IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, highlighted the airline’s vision. They see opportunities in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. And because of India’s strategic location, they expect to offer both common and unique routes through these hubs.
Elbers emphasized the importance of this move. He pointed out that Indian airlines lose market share on flights longer than 5-6 hours. By venturing into the wide-body, long-haul market, IndiGo aims to compete with global aviation leaders.
On April 25th, IndiGo made a significant order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. These planes will open up direct routes to Europe, the UK, the US, and Australia from India. While the cost wasn’t disclosed, it’s estimated to be over $9 billion.
In addition to the confirmed order, IndiGo has the option to buy 70 more Airbus A350 planes. This move marks a shift from their current all-economy, narrow-body flights operated with Airbus A320s.
IndiGo’s decision aligns with India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub. Elbers sees this as a response to the growing travel aspirations of Indians and the country’s economic rise.
Currently, IndiGo operates primarily within India, with around 2,000 daily flights. But with the new wide-body aircraft, it aims to increase its international seat capacity from 27 percent to 30 percent and eventually grow its fleet to 550-600 aircraft by 2030.
Anticipated expansion is on the horizon, especially with the introduction of A321XLR aircraft in 2025 and A350 aircraft in 2027. Presently, IndiGo holds the title of the largest domestic airline and ranks as the second-largest international airline, trailing only the Air India group. Their operational prowess encompasses approximately 2,000 flights daily.
IndiGo didn’t reveal if their wide-body service would be low-cost or full-service. However, they promised to maintain cost leadership.
Elbers expressed excitement about the possibilities these new planes bring. He believes they’ll offer Indian travelers more direct options, reducing travel time.
The Airbus A350-900, known for its long-range capability, will be powered by Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engines. This aircraft can carry 300-350 passengers over a flying range of up to 15,000 kilometers or 16-17 hours non-stop.
Despite India’s relatively small wide-body fleet, IndiGo aims to change the game. With over 350 aircraft already in operation, they connect more than 85 domestic and 30 international destinations. And with the addition of 30 wide-body A350s, they’re set to soar even higher.
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