GURUGRAM- IndiGo (6E), India’s largest airline, is reportedly exploring the possibility of leasing around 20 aircraft (including 737 MAX) starting in April to address the capacity shortfall resulting from the grounding of over 70 planes in its fleet, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The airline is said to be engaged in discussions with multiple leasing companies and airlines to augment its fleet before the commencement of the summer schedule in April.
IndiGo to Lease 737 MAX
IndiGo is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to acquire eight aircraft through wet lease arrangements with other airlines and an additional 12 from the secondary market, as indicated by a senior executive to MoneyControl.
Initially considering Airbus planes until December, the airline has reevaluated its strategy and is now contemplating the inclusion of Boeing aircraft in its fleet.
According to insiders, it is anticipated that IndiGo will welcome five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from Qatar Airways (QR) and three Boeing 737 MAX planes from Ryanair (FR) by April.
On February 2, India’s leading carrier disclosed that it currently has over 70 aircraft grounded, a notable increase from the 40 reported at the beginning of October 2023. This includes aircraft awaiting essential components due to challenges in the supply chain or undergoing inspections subsequent to Pratt & Whitney’s recall of hundreds of PW1100G engines.
A senior executive from a prominent leasing company mentioned, “The secondary market for Airbus planes with CFM engines is contracting, and the airline is keen to expand its fleet.” The executive further stated that IndiGo actively seeks to augment its fleet through six-month wet leases and short-term leases from the secondary market.
Leasing More A320neos
Recently, IndiGo finalized a finance lease agreement for four new Airbus A320neo aircraft with BOC Aviation. These upcoming aircraft, equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines, are anticipated to be delivered in 2024.
IndiGo’s Chief Financial Officer, Gaurav Negi, highlighted to MC the airline’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for air travel by expanding capacity. In the last few quarters, the airline has increased capacity by 25%, boasting a fleet of over 350 planes as of December’s end.
Negi outlined the strategies employed to enhance capacity, including retaining 14 older Airbus A320ceo planes, extending leases on 36 other aircraft, acquiring 11 additional planes on damp lease in November, and previously operating two damp-leased wide-body aircraft on the Istanbul route.
To further optimize its network and capitalize on opportunities, IndiGo is actively seeking additional capacity from the secondary market. Negi expressed confidence that their ongoing efforts to expand the fleet, with nearly one plane arriving each week, will ensure the airline continues to provide reliable and hassle-free service.
Eyeing 20% Fleet Increase
IndiGo has encountered challenges linked to supply and maintenance concerns related to the PW1100 engines, impacting its A320neo fleet as the airline pursues an ambitious network expansion.
As of December 31, IndiGo operated a fleet of 358 aircraft, consisting of 312 Airbus A320 family planes, 44 ATR aircraft, and two Boeing 777 planes. The 777s are presently engaged in a wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines (TK).
Gaurav Negi, Chief Financial Officer of IndiGo, expressed the airline’s collaboration with P&W to address spare engine availability issues, expressing optimism that the situation will show improvement in the coming quarters. This information was shared during the announcement of the company’s third-quarter results.
IndiGo has outlined plans to boost its fleet by 20% in the fiscal year 2024, surpassing the initial estimate of 12% set at the beginning of the current financial year.
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