IndiGo wants to boost its international capacity deployment to 30 per cent with the launch of longer-range aircraft, strategically utilizing hubs in key Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Elbers also noted the expanding passenger movement from Central Asia to Thailand, with transit via India becoming more popular.
In a recent press call regarding A350 purchase, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers gave insight on the airline’s strategic strategy and plans for its widebody aircraft operations, notably focused on the Boeing 777s and the future A350s. Elbers noted the significant role played by the Boeing 777 operations, which surprisingly led to the low-cost carrier’s decision to buy A350s.
Initially established to meet capacity concerns, the wet leasing of Boeing 777s gave useful insights that converted need into a virtue for IndiGo. Elbers noted how efficiently the domestic network from large metros like Delhi and Mumbai supported widebody operations, opening the stage for future development and efficiency.
Currently, IndiGo has 50 A321XLRs on order, which will further strengthen and complement the A350 operations. Elbers said that the seat layout and routes for the A350s have still to be determined, with the projected introduction into service in 2027.
Elbers underlined that IndiGo’s business model is dynamic and would develop depending on client needs. When questioned about the prospective Full-Service Carrier (FSC) model, he replied that all possibilities are open, demonstrating the airline’s flexibility and adaptability.
Ordering widebody aircraft is considered as a logical move for IndiGo, a well-established airline looking for a fleet of 550-600 aircraft by 2030. The arrival of longer-range aircraft like the A321XLR will give extra operating capabilities, increasing the airline’s reach to places in Europe and the Far East within the 7-8 hour flying range,
Elbers
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IndiGo wants to boost its international capacity deployment to 30 per cent with the launch of longer-range aircraft, strategically utilizing hubs in key Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Elbers also noted the expanding passenger movement from Central Asia to Thailand, with transit via India becoming more popular.
The priority remains on sustaining cost leadership and presenting a competitive product to customers, the airline’s chief stated. Elbers added that the airline would study all feasible financing solutions for the A350 acquisition, including issues like aircraft tenure and operational efficiency.
Overall, IndiGo’s strategic objective comprises exploiting its widebody fleet to boost connectivity, optimize routes, and give Indian consumers with more direct flight alternatives, eventually striving to transform the travel experience for passengers.
Flight to long haul: IndiGo makes order for 30 Airbus wide-body aircraft
IndiGo’s present fleet features around 350 aircraft, and in June 2023, the airline made a record-breaking order for 500 aircraft with Airbus, encompassing A320NEO, A321NEO, and A321XLR variants. With approximately 1,000 A320 Family aircraft still to be delivered, this new order cements IndiGo’s strategic cooperation with Airbus and marks the beginning of a promising collaboration with Rolls Royce.
