IndiGo Airlines Adds Two More Boeing 787-9s on Damp Lease

IndiGo Airlines has expanded its partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways by damp-leasing two additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft, bringing the total number leased from the Norwegian carrier to six. The new widebodies are expected to join IndiGo’s network by early 2026, as part of the airline’s strategy to build out long-haul international operations.

The agreement comes with an initial term of six months, with an option to extend up to 18 months, pending regulatory approval. One of Norse Atlantic’s 787-9s, registered LN-FNC (msn 38790), has already been operating for IndiGo since March 1, 2025. The remaining three aircraft under the original deal are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2025.

IndiGo recently revealed plans to launch new nonstop routes from India to Manchester and Amsterdam Schiphol starting in July 2025. The leased 787-9s from Norse will initially serve these routes until IndiGo receives its own widebody fleet. The airline has 30 Airbus A350-900s on order, with the first delivery scheduled for 2027.

While IndiGo has not yet released detailed flight schedules for its new European destinations, the damp-leasing strategy offers a timely solution to quickly begin long-haul operations without waiting for aircraft deliveries.

Norse Atlantic Airways operates eight Boeing 787-9s, while its UK subsidiary manages four more. The IndiGo agreement supports Norse’s goal of boosting ACMI and charter operations as part of its broader business diversification strategy.

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