IndiGo AOG Numbers Decline, but Wet-Leases to Continue

IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) will continue utilizing wet- and damp-leased aircraft despite a decline in aircraft-on-ground (AOG) numbers, CEO Pieter Elbers confirmed during a January 24, 2025, earnings call. Strong passenger demand and capacity constraints warrant maintaining Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) leases in the near future.

IndiGo currently operates 408 owned and dry-leased aircraft, supplemented by 16 wet-leased A320-200s, 10 B737-8s, two B737-800s, and two B777-300ERs, according to ch-aviation data. The airline added eight damp-leased aircraft in late 2024 and is exploring additional long-range wet-lease options to expand its network.

“There are still key underserved markets, and leveraging secondary market capacity helps meet growing demand,” Elbers said.

The Pratt & Whitney powder metal issue led to over 70 aircraft groundings in 2024, but the figure has now fallen to the 60s and is expected to drop further. CFO Gaurav Negi projected AOG levels to decline to the 40s by April 2025, with continued improvement through the year.

Despite this, IndiGo will not immediately reduce its wet-lease fleet. “We’ll adjust leases based on market demand and growth,” Elbers explained.

IndiGo sees wet/damp leasing as a strategic tool to counter supply chain disruptions, sustain market share, and support network expansion. While seasonal fluctuations may eventually influence lease decisions, IndiGo remains committed to flexibility in fleet management.

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