IndiGo nears deal with Norse Atlantic Airways for six Boeing Dreamliners

Currently focused on short- and medium-haul flights, IndiGo operates a fleet of over 400 aircraft, primarily Airbus models. The potential addition of Boeing 787-9s marks a strategic shift towards long-haul capabilities. This move enables the airline to expand into European markets cost-effectively without immediate investment in new widebody aircraft.

While most of IndiGo's fleet consists of narrow-body planes, this will be its first major venture into wide-body operations. Previously leasing Boeing 777-300ERs for India-Turkey routes, IndiGo will now have the flexibility to use the 787-9s on various international routes through this new agreement.

The timing is crucial as IndiGo seeks to compete with Air India, which is expanding its long-haul operations with a large order of wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. Entering the long-haul market would allow IndiGo to tap into growing demand for direct flights from India to Europe.

IndiGo also announced plans earlier this month to wet-lease six B737 aircraft from Corendon Airlines during the upcoming northern winter season from December 14, 2024, until March 29, 2025. This forms part of a broader strategy to expand globally and diversify its fleet.

In addition, IndiGo has ordered 30 Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft in 2024 with deliveries set for 2027. Until then, the leased Boeing 787-9s will help bridge the gap and enable entry into long-haul markets sooner. The airline also plans to add Airbus A321XLRs in 2025 for direct flights to secondary European destinations due to their extended range.

India remains one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets globally. As previously reported by India Express, IndiGo leads with a domestic market share of 63.6%. According to The Economic Times, CEO Pieter Elbers stated that "An airline so young expects to welcome over 112 million customers in 2024 after crossing the 100 million annual customers bar last year."