IndiGo announced on Thursday that it has reached an agreement with Airbus for a firm order of 30 A350-900s powered by Trent XWB engines.
It will be the Indian low-cost airline’s first order for a widebody. Currently, IndiGo is a major Airbus customer, with over 320 jets from the A320 family.
In 2023, the airline closed its largest single aircraft order by ordering 500 A320neo family jets.
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For some time now, IndiGo has mentioned that it would expand its fleet with twin-aisle, long-range aircraft and the choice of the A350 is not surprising given the relationship between the two companies.
“New chapter”
Interestingly, IndiGo currently has two Boeing 777-300ERs received second-hand and which are used on daily flights to Istanbul, Turkey, from Mumbai and Delhi.
In August 2023, Reuters, citing sources, stated that IndiGo was close to announcing an order for 25 787 Dreamliners with Boeing.
“Today’s historic moment marks a new chapter for IndiGo and will further shape the future of the airline and for Indian aviation at the same time. For IndiGo, after successfully pioneering the Indian skies with an unprecedented journey, its fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft will allow IndiGo to embark on its next phase of becoming one of the leading global aviation players,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo.
The expansion towards long-haul flights comes after Air India, formerly state-owned, began a major investment cycle under the control of the Tata Group.
