IndiGo Airlines Considers Expanding Fleet with Airbus A350 Order

India’s leading low-cost carrier, IndiGo Airlines, is reportedly exploring the acquisition of up to thirty Airbus A350 aircraft, signaling a potential strategic shift towards widebody operations. Currently, IndiGo’s fleet does not include any widebody aircraft, with the airline temporarily augmenting its capacity with two B777-300ERs wet-leased from Turkish Airlines.

While IndiGo Airlines has not provided an official comment regarding these reports, the move, if confirmed, would mark a significant expansion of the airline’s capabilities, allowing it to extend its service to long-haul destinations. This consideration aligns with IndiGo’s previously expressed interest in developing long-haul operations, targeting major international hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol and various destinations within the United Kingdom.

IndiGo’s current fleet composition, as detailed in the ch-aviation fleets module, includes a diverse array of 354 in-house aircraft, predominantly comprised of Airbus A320 and A321 families, alongside ATR72-600s for regional routes. Additionally, the airline benefits from the flexibility of wet-leased A320ceo aircraft from SmartLynx Airlines and SmartLynx Airlines Estonia.

With a substantial backlog of 940 Airbus narrowbody aircraft yet to be delivered, IndiGo’s contemplation of the A350 order underscores its ambitious growth trajectory. Although the forthcoming A321-200NY(XLR)s in its order book promise extended range capabilities, certain long-haul routes remain beyond their reach, necessitating the consideration of widebody options.

The potential introduction of Airbus A350s into IndiGo’s fleet would not only enable the airline to directly connect India with farther international destinations but also enhance its competitive stance in the global aviation market. This strategic move reflects IndiGo’s commitment to expanding its network and meeting the evolving needs of its passenger base, leveraging the operational efficiencies and passenger comfort offered by widebody aircraft.