India’s largest airline IndiGo has agreed to purchase 30 firm Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft, marking a major expansion into long-haul international routes. The deal includes options for an additional 70 A350 aircraft.
The A350-900s will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. IndiGo says the aircraft’s range and efficiency will allow it to connect Indian metro cities to destinations across the globe.
“Today’s historic moment marks a new chapter for IndiGo,” said CEO Pieter Elbers. “Its fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft will allow IndiGo to embark on its next phase of becoming one of the leading global aviation players.”
The airline currently operates over 350 narrowbody Airbus A320 family jets, with nearly 1,000 more on firm order as part of a record 500-aircraft deal inked last year. IndiGo flew over 100 million passengers in 2023.
Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer stated the purchase “will bring the strategic relationship between IndiGo and Airbus to an unprecedented level in terms of depth, breadth, and size.”
Analysts view the A350 order as preparing IndiGo for burgeoning long-haul demand as India’s aviation market continues rapid growth in line with the country’s economic expansion. The government aims to develop India as a global aviation hub by 2030.
IndiGo plans to announce more details in a conference call on April 30th.
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