India’s leading low-cost airline, IndiGo, is adding its first wide-body aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, to its fleet under a wet lease agreement with Norway-based Norse Atlantic Airways. The airline announced that the aircraft would arrive in India “in the next few weeks” and operations will begin in March 2025.
Strategic Shift to Long-Haul Flights
IndiGo’s decision to build a wide-body fleet is part of its strategy to expand beyond its traditional short and medium-haul routes and enter the long-haul international market.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, during the earnings call on January 24, mentioned that they would take advantage of temporary solutions through wet leases to bring long-range aircraft into service earlier while awaiting regulatory approval. Elbers stated, “Indian businesses are expanding internationally, our diaspora is growing, and there are still underserved key markets. These areas present significant growth potential.”
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, as part of the wet lease agreement, will accelerate IndiGo’s integration into the global network, focusing on high-demand international routes such as London and Paris. The agreement initially covers six months and could be extended up to 18 months.
IndiGo’s Fleet Diversification Steps
IndiGo, known for its predominantly Airbus fleet, has recently been following a diversification policy that includes Boeing aircraft:
- Boeing 777-300ER Usage: In 2023, IndiGo entered long-haul routes with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines for the India-Turkey route.
- 737 MAX-8 Leases: In 2024, 737 MAX-8 aircraft leased from Qatar Airways and Corendon Airlines began service on routes from India to Doha and Chennai.
The fuel-efficient Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be IndiGo’s first wide-body aircraft, offering operational flexibility. Additionally, the airline has long-term plans for 30 Airbus A350-900 orders and options for 70 more A350 family aircraft. These deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
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