GURUGRAM- India’s largest carrier, IndiGo Airlines (6E), will still fly an all-Airbus fleet in 2024. This fleet includes the A320 and A321 family aircraft.
When I say all Airbus fleet, I excluded the two wet-leased Boeing 777s from Turkish Airlines. However, ATR is actually a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, so we can count it under the Airbus fleet; let’s get into the fleet.
Detailed Overview of Indigo Fleet
By the end of February, the company possessed a fleet of 367 aircraft, marking a significant increase from the 304 aircraft it had at the end of FY23. Anticipating an “early double-digit” growth, the airline forecasts potentially reaching a fleet size of 406-420 aircraft by the end of FY25.
IndiGo was Established in 2005. It began operations on August 4th, 2006, with Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) serving as its primary hub. It maintains bases at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) and Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU).
The airline has around 18 aircraft on test and are getting ready to be delivered. The Gurugram-based carrier has an average fleet age of 4.4 years, one of the youngest for such a huge fleet globally.
Fleet Expansion Plans
In February 2024, IndiGo announced an anticipated approximately 12% increase in capacity for the March quarter compared to the same period last year. Consequently, the airline is set to surpass its initial forecast for FY24, aiming for a growth exceeding 20% compared to FY23.
According to a report by Reuters last month, Airbus, holding a near-monopoly on IndiGo’s existing fleet and forthcoming orders, informed airlines about delivery delays slated for 2024 and 2025.
IndiGo, with 960 aircraft on order, has also stated its ambition to evolve into a carrier operating “600+” aircraft by the end of the decade.
Largest Operators of the Airbus A320neo
The leading operators of the Airbus A320neo include IndiGo, which operates 162 aircraft, followed by Frontier Airlines (F9) with 75 aircraft, China Eastern Airlines (MU) with 72 aircraft, and Go First, which earlier possessed 54 aircraft.
IndiGo currently maintains a fleet of 367 aircraft, comprising 305 in active service and 62 parked. The fleet encompasses various aircraft types:
- ATR 42/72: IndiGo operates 45 of these aircraft.
- Airbus A320-200: The airline operates 30 A320-200 aircraft, with 1 parked, totaling 31.
- Airbus A320neo: IndiGo operates 145 A320neo aircraft, with 47 parked, totaling 192.
- Airbus A321: The fleet includes 83 A321 aircraft, with 14 parked, totaling 97.
- Boeing 777: IndiGo operates 2 Boeing 777 aircraft.
The airline has an average fleet age of 4.4 years. The fleet’s average age is calculated to assess its overall condition and efficiency.
Airbus A320 Family and A320neo
Since its introduction, the Airbus A320 Family’s single-aisle jetliners have consistently set the standard for comfort on short-to-medium-haul flights. This achievement is one of the factors contributing to their recognition as the most successful commercial aircraft in history.
The Airbus A320neo, designed for medium-range flights, conducted its maiden flight in 2014. It is equipped with CFM LEAP or Pratt & Whitney GTF turbofan engines and is part of a modern aircraft family that includes the A319neo and A321neo models.
Initiated in 2010, the Airbus A320neo project culminated in its first flight in 2014. Airbus reports that the A320neo consumes approximately 15% less fuel than the original A320 while also offering improved range and reduced noise and emissions levels.
This model incorporates new engines, aerodynamic refinements, and an updated cabin interior. Additionally, all A320 aircraft utilize fly-by-wire flight controls and standardized systems, reducing pilot training and maintenance expenses.
New Update
According to sources familiar with details told Bloomberg, the airline is currently weighing several options, with the potential order of approximately 30 Airbus A350s emerging as the frontrunner.
An announcement regarding the decision could be forthcoming in the next few weeks. However, there is a possibility that IndiGo may alter its plans regarding timing and the number of aircraft.
IndiGo has previously contemplated the idea of introducing long-haul services to cater to the increasing number of affluent Indian travelers venturing to destinations such as the UK and Europe.
Earlier, there were reports that IndiGo was exploring options for ordering Boeing 787s. However, they will likely continue with the Airbus fleet with A350 for ease of training.
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