IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, is aiming to establish itself as a prominent global player in the aviation industry. The airline recently made its first-ever order for widebody aircraft, with plans to offer nonstop connectivity from major Indian airports to international destinations. CEO Pieter Elbers stated that this decision is in line with the government’s vision to make India a global aviation hub. IndiGo has been expanding its international presence by adding new destinations and forming strategic partnerships, such as codeshare agreements with Malaysia Airlines and Qantas Airways.
While Elbers did not disclose specific details on future flight destinations during a conference call with investors, he hinted that Amsterdam could be on the map due to his Dutch background and experience at KLM. IndiGo’s order of XLR aircraft, expected to be delivered from next year, will enable the airline to extend its range and serve more overseas routes from various Indian cities. The carrier currently has a significant order book of nearly 1,000 aircraft, including a mix of different models to support its growth plans.
In an effort to tap into the underpenetrated Indian aviation market, IndiGo aims to increase its fleet to around 600 aircraft by 2030. Elbers highlighted the limited number of wide-body aircraft in India and the underrepresentation of Indian carriers in the long-haul international market. The airline sees opportunities for growth as India’s economy develops and consumer demand for international travel expands. The decision to order widebody aircraft is seen as a natural progression for IndiGo as it celebrates its 18th anniversary this year.
IndiGo has already begun operating Boeing 777 widebody aircraft on international routes, with wet lease agreements in place to serve destinations such as Istanbul. These operations have provided the airline with valuable insights and operational experience in handling long-haul flights. Elbers emphasized that the company’s focus is on expanding its reach and offering more direct international connections from India, rather than relying on connecting flights through other hubs.
Overall, IndiGo’s ambition to become a global aviation player is evident through its strategic decisions to invest in widebody aircraft, expand its international network, and increase its fleet size significantly. The airline is aligning its plans with the Indian government’s vision for the aviation sector and aims to cater to the growing demand for international travel among Indian consumers. With a strong focus on operational efficiency and customer experience, IndiGo is poised to make a mark on the global aviation market in the coming years.
