GURUGRAM- India’s largest carrier, IndiGo (6E) Airlines, expects the first Airbus A321XLR delivery by 2025 and plans new routes based on aircraft range.
IndiGo is contemplating the possibility of introducing flights to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) if the forthcoming A321XLR aircraft can cover the distance in a single journey, as stated by CEO Pieter Elbers.
IndiGo A321XLR Delivery and Routes
In a conversation with Elsevier Weekblad (EW), Elbers expressed his desire to expand the airline’s existing international codeshare agreements, which include partnerships with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
He emphasized the need for strategic planning to ensure the airline’s continued growth. Elbers anticipates the arrival of the first batch of sixty-nine A321XLR aircraft in 2025.
With an asserted maximum range of 8,700 kilometers, this aircraft has the potential to connect certain Indian cities with destinations in Western Europe.
“Direct flights from India to Rome Fiumicino are entirely feasible. However, connecting Mumbai to Amsterdam is currently not achievable. Depending on the final specifications of the XLR, it would potentially enable flights from Delhi to Amsterdam,” he explained.
As per the ch-aviation schedules module, both KLM and Air India (AI) presently operate flights between Delhi and Amsterdam using Boeing 787-8s and 787-9s.
Furthermore, an existing codeshare agreement with KLM facilitates passenger transfers between IndiGo and KLM at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore International airports.
Elbers did not specify how, or if at all, the potential flights to Amsterdam, which are still uncertain, would impact this codeshare partnership.
Rapid Expansion
IndiGo, which holds the position of India’s largest domestic airline, currently commands a market share of approximately 16% on routes to and from India. CEO Pieter Elbers is determined to augment this market presence.
The airline has been actively launching new routes to diverse destinations in Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia. Its ambitious objective is to double its international capacity by the close of this decade.
Notably, IndiGo has been rapidly expanding its fleet. In June, the carrier ordered 500 Airbus A320 family aircraft, extending its aircraft delivery schedule into the next decade.
The forthcoming A32XLR aircraft are part of a previous order for 300 A320neo family aircraft, initially signed in late 2019.
Since the June order, IndiGo has further augmented its commitment by acquiring an additional ten A320neos in addition to the 2019 order. Additionally, reports indicate that the airline is on the verge of making a final decision regarding an order for 25 widebody aircraft.
IndiGo is purportedly leaning towards selecting the Boeing 787 for this widebody order in an interesting departure from their convention of choosing Airbus aircraft.
IndiGo Leasing units at GIFT City
The Indian government’s initiative to position India as a key aircraft leasing hub is poised to receive a significant boost, as two major airlines, IndiGo (6E) and Air India (AI), are establishing leasing units in GIFT City, Gujarat.
IndiGo, with approximately 1,000 aircraft in its order pipeline, announced its intention to create a leasing unit to finance its aircraft, with an investment of Rs 30 crore.
Further, IndiGo will provide a corporate guarantee of up to $996 million to support its payment obligations. It is anticipated that IndiGo will initially lease approximately 10 Airbus A320neo aircraft through this leasing subsidiary.
Subsequently, Air India has already established an aircraft leasing subsidiary within the special economic zone known as IFSC Gift City.
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