IndiGo to Damp-Lease Boeing 787-9 from Norse Atlantic in 1Q25

IndiGo Airlines has signed an agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways to damp-lease one Boeing 787-9 for at least six months, supporting its international expansion strategy. The aircraft, LN-FNC (msn 38790), is expected to arrive in India within weeks and begin revenue flights in March 2025. The deal may be extended up to 18 months, pending regulatory approvals.

The 6.8-year-old Boeing 787-9, owned by AerCap, features Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines and a two-class cabin with 56 premium economy and 282 economy seats. It was originally delivered to Norwegian in 2018 before joining Norse Atlantic Airways in 2022.

IndiGo has hinted at leasing additional Boeing 787-9s but has not confirmed further agreements. Previous reports suggested the airline could lease up to six Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic in 2025, complementing its long-haul expansion while awaiting Airbus A350-900 deliveries in 2027.

The leased widebody jets will allow IndiGo to launch long-haul routes to Europe, with London and Paris among the likely destinations. The airline currently wet-leases two Boeing 777-300ERs from Turkish Airlines, operating between Istanbul and Delhi/Mumbai.

Norse Atlantic Airways, which operates eight Boeing 787-9s, is shifting focus toward ACMI leasing, with four aircraft currently inactive. The airline has also signed an LOI to wet-lease six Dreamliners to a major international airline as part of its risk-reduction strategy.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com