IndiGo to lease Boeing 777 aircraft to meet capacity shortage

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo will lease up to four Boeing 777 wide-body passenger aircraft to increase capacity on international operations, according to a report by India’s Financial Express, which cited industry sources.

The Gurgaon-headquartered airline, which is currently looking to solve capacity shortages on its international passenger flights, will wet-lease the additional Boeing 777 family planes, including Boeing 777-200 LRs [long range, ed.-] and 777-300 ERs [extended range, ed.-], the Financial Express said on October 12, 2022.

Under the wet-lease agreement, the lessor will provide the airline with aircraft and crew as well as support the airline with maintenance and insurance services. The leased 777s are expected to operate IndiGo international routes during the 2022 winter season.

“As an interim measure, we have decided to take on wet lease certain aircraft to cover the shortfall for our scheduled international operations. We have received in-principal approval from the regulators and the induction of these aircraft remains subject to further requisite regulatory approvals,” an IndiGo spokesperson said.