GURUGRAM- On Monday (Sep 4, 2023), the board of directors at IndiGo Airlines (6E) approved an order for an additional 10 Airbus A320neo family aircraft from Airbus as part of the original 300 aircraft deal initially signed by the airline.
Back in 2019, IndiGo had entered into a significant agreement with Airbus, placing an order for a total of 430 aircraft. This order included a record-breaking purchase of over 300 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, which amounted to approximately $33 billion based on notional catalog prices at that time.
However, the deliveries of the A320neos have faced delays primarily due to issues related to Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines.
IndiGo Firm Up Order for 10 A320neo
Approximately two months ago, the budget carrier placed a monumental order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft in June.
This order marked IndiGo’s largest aircraft order and represented the largest single-aircraft purchase ever made by any airline in partnership with Airbus.
The primary goals behind this significant order were to reduce operating costs, enhance fuel efficiency, and ensure high levels of reliability. Upon the arrival of these aircraft, the fleet will play a pivotal role in helping the airline achieve its sustainability objectives.
With this latest firm order for 500 aircraft scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2035, IndiGo’s order book now stands at nearly 1,000 aircraft that will be received well into the next decade.
Order Breakup
IndiGo Airbus deal stands as the largest single transaction ever recorded in the aviation industry. This feat was earlier achieved by another Indian carrier, Air India (AI), when it placed 470 aircraft orders.
According to Airbus’ June 2023 statistics, IndiGo Airlines has a firm order for 500 A320 family aircraft. This includes 125 Airbus A320neo and 375 A321neo. Subsequently, Airbus will finalize the split between A320neo and A321neo in the later stages.
Furthermore, the A321neo also includes A321LR and A321XLR. However, the exact breakup of this is yet to be revealed by Airbus and Indian airline.
Boeing 787 Order
Boeing is reportedly leading the competition to secure an order of approximately 25 787 Dreamliner aircraft from IndiGo (6E), the largest domestic airline in India, according to sources within the industry who spoke to Reuters on Monday.
IndiGo Airlines is currently engaged in discussions regarding the potential purchase of Boeing’s 787 family of twin-aisle planes.
These negotiations have pitted Boeing’s offerings against Airbus‘ A330neo jets, as indicated by insiders who are knowledgeable about the situation.
However, the sources emphasized that no definitive decision has been reached. They have requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the ongoing negotiations.
The airline even developed pilot deployment plans for the A350. Considering the training and qualification process that takes approximately 11 days for an A320 pilot to transition to the Airbus A350.
Feature Image By: Harsh Tekriwal (@avgeekwithlens) • Instagram photos and videos
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
