Summary
- IndiGo is considering adding 30 Airbus A350s to its fleet to boost its global reach amid growing market competition.
- The carrier’s extensive partnership network supports its long-haul connectivity without operating flights directly.
- The A350 is extremely popular among airlines, offering lower carbon emissions and enhanced passenger comfort for long-haul travel.
Indian carrier IndiGo is reportedly considering the possibility of integrating 30 of Airbus’ flagship widebody aircraft into its (exclusively narrowbody) fleet of aircraft, in order to maintain its market dominance amid Air India’s recent growth in the international market.
Another (possible) A350 customer?
Reports from The Economic Times state that India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is considering ordering around 30 Airbus A350 aircraft, allowing the carrier to expand its global reach and maintain its domestic and international market dominance.
Up until now, the airline has maintained the A320 family aircraft as the backbone of its fleet (with a few ATR aircraft for regional operations). Nevertheless, adding the A350s to IndiGo’s existing fleet should be relatively easy thanks to the Airbus philosophy of maintaining cockpit commonality across its aircraft types. Within the A320 family, the carrier operates A320ceos, A320neos and A321neos.
This foray into widebodies won’t be entirely new for IndiGo; it has been working with a pair of Boeing 777-300ERs on lease from its European partner, Turkish Airlines. It operates them exclusively on services to Istanbul, Turkey, from IndiGo’s hubs in Delhi and Mumbai.
Photo: MBekir | Shutterstock
Recent reports also suggested that IndiGo was considering wet leasing Boeing 737 MAX-8s from its Middle Eastern partner, Qatar Airways. This is due to the airline facing capacity constraints due to Pratt & Whitney engine issue grounding some of its A320s.
IndiGo Could Wet Lease Boeing 737 MAX Planes From Qatar Airways
The airline is facing capacity issues due to its grounded A320 family of planes resulting from Pratt & Whitney engine problems.
The report also states that the airline could possibly announce its decision regarding this in the coming weeks.
Expanding international reach
IndiGo has performed exceptionally well over the years and has built a robust network, both within and outside of India. The airline operates to around 80 domestic and more than 30 international destinations. While the carrier does not operate flights to long-haul destinations on its own, IndiGo has formed partnerships with airlines across the world to provide connectivity for its passengers.
|
North America |
Europe |
Middle East |
Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Turkish Airlines |
Qantas |
||
|
Virgin Atlantic |
Jetstar |
||
If the A350 order was to come to fruition, the carrier would be able to reach several far-flung destinations on its own and boost its international presence. The carrier would also be able to compete directly with Air India on more routes.
Photo: Anand Balaji | Shutterstock
Additionally, it is also worth noting that the airline already has a backlog of around a thousand aircraft on its order book, after placing a record-breaking order for 500 A320neo family aircraft last year. These aircraft are all expected to be delivered by 2035.
It’s Official: IndiGo Places Record Breaking Airbus Order For 500 A320 Family Aircraft
The airline has logged the biggest-ever order by airplane numbers, taking its total future fleet of neos to 1,330.
A350s left, right, and center!
Recently, the A350 has been in the spotlight a fair bit. With Airbus bagging deals for the A350s from two major carriers – Japan Airlines and Korean Air, the type is gaining significant popularity from carriers worldwide.
Korean Air Places $13.7 Billion Order For 33 New Airbus A350s
Korean Air is set to add an entirely new aircraft type to its fleet!
With 25% lower carbon emissions than previous-generation aircraft in class, efficient economics, and superior passenger comfort, the A350 is a desirable aircraft candidate for the future of long-haul travel.
What is your opinion on IndiGo ordering A350s? Let us know in the comments below!
