New Delhi IndiGo Confirms 30 Airbus Jets For Global Expansion
New Delhi: IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has firmed up its order for 30 additional Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft, signalling an ambitious push to expand its long-haul international network. The move effectively doubles the airline’s widebody fleet commitment from 30 to 60 jets, reflecting its strategic pivot toward global connectivity. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027.
The expansion aims to strengthen IndiGo’s ability to operate non-stop services to high-demand long-haul destinations, including the United States, Australia, and Europe. The airline, which currently operates approximately 410 aircraft with only five leased widebodies, intends to leverage these fuel-efficient, long-range aircraft to compete more directly with international carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India.All A350-900 jets in the fleet will feature Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, a choice praised for performance and fuel efficiency. The aircraft’s extended range, approximately 15,000 kilometres, allows for direct long-haul operations, reducing travel time and enhancing passenger comfort. Officials from IndiGo emphasised that the decision aligns with India’s broader vision to become a global aviation hub while positioning the airline as a competitive full-service carrier by 2030.
This order follows the airline’s April 2024 initial commitment to 30 A350-900s, with purchase rights for an additional 70 widebody aircraft. The latest firmed order secures 60 jets, with options for 40 more. These aircraft are intended to complement the airline’s growing narrowbody fleet, primarily Airbus A320 family jets, which total nearly 1,400 aircraft on order with Airbus.
Industry experts note that this expansion is a critical step for IndiGo’s evolution from a low-cost domestic operator to a global player with an extensive long-haul footprint. The airline has already introduced business-class cabins and a frequent flyer programme to align with international service expectations. Scheduled launches to ten new international destinations in 2025-26, including London, Amsterdam, and Manchester, will initially utilise leased Boeing 787s and Airbus A321XLRs before the arrival of the A350s.The strategic move underscores a broader trend in India’s aviation sector, where airlines are increasingly investing in widebody fleets to capture growing passenger demand for international travel. Analysts suggest that IndiGo’s aggressive fleet expansion reflects confidence in post-pandemic travel recovery and India’s rising role as a global aviation market.
