When discussing startup airlines, two prominent figures stand out. First is David Neeleman, the renowned founder of five airlines, including JetBlue (B6) and WestJet (WS), and the current CEO of hybrid carrier Breeze Airways. Neeleman’s story and his motivations are well-documented and familiar to the public.
The second major player is Indigo Partners, a private equity firm based in Arizona, established in 2002. Unlike Neeleman, Indigo Partners operates with much less visibility. This firm holds significant stakes in five airlines yet maintains a low profile, lacking a formal website or LinkedIn presence. In this article, we will delve into Indigo Partners and its substantial influence in the commercial aviation sector.
Indigo Partners Airlines
The story of Indigo Partners is inseparable from its influential founder, William Franke. According to Forbes, Franke, who continues to serve as the chairman of Frontier Airlines, established Indigo Partners in 2002. Since then, the firm has been instrumental in creating low-cost carriers around the world. Franke remains the managing partner of the firm and a significant voice in the industry.
Indigo Partners holds controlling interests in two airlines: Frontier Airlines (F9) and Chilean low-cost carrier JetSmart (JA). Its portfolio also includes stakes in Mexican budget airline Volaris and Eastern European low-cost carrier Wizz Air (W6).
Additionally, the firm owns shares in Canadian low-cost carrier Lynx Air, which recently sought creditor protection and was set to cease operations on February 26, 2024, according to CBC. The future of Indigo Partners’ investments in Lynx Air remains uncertain.
Growing Portfolio
Within the industry, Indigo Partners operates as a crucial player, primarily focusing on investments in various airlines.
While the firm itself tends to stay out of the limelight, there have been instances where it has made headlines with significant moves that have captured the attention of the aviation world.
In 2017, Indigo Partners made waves at the Dubai Airshow with a groundbreaking order for 430 Airbus A320neo family jets. This mega order included 273 A320neos and 157 A321neos, destined for airlines such as Wizz Air, Frontier, Volaris, and JetSmart.
It’s worth noting that all airlines under the Indigo Partners umbrella exclusively operate the A320 family aircraft, except the now-defunct Lynx Air, reported Simple Flying.
The firm once again drew global attention in 2018 when it entered into a preliminary agreement to acquire WOW Air, an Icelandic low-cost carrier. This move came after Icelandair’s merger attempt with WOW Air fell through.
However, Indigo Partners ultimately decided to abandon the takeover in 2019, showcasing its strategic decision-making process and adaptability in the ever-evolving aviation industry.
In a more recent development in 2021, Indigo Partners made headlines with a massive order of 255 Airbus jets, all A321neos. This bold move signaled the firm’s confidence in the recovery of air travel demand following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The timing of this significant order raised eyebrows among industry experts but also demonstrated Indigo Partners’ foresight and commitment to driving growth and innovation in the aviation sector.
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Source: Simple Flying