The largest domestic operator in India, IndiGo, is ramping up efforts to expand its international flight operations. In order to prepare the IndiGo airlines fleet for long-haul flights, the airline has confirmed that it now owns or has finance-leased 69 aircraft. The number has doubled in just one year. These planes represent about 16.5% of its total fleet of 416 aircraft. The airline aims to boost that proportion to 30-40% by 2030. 

IndiGo airlines has also signed an MoU with Airbus to convert 30 purchase rights into firm orders for the A350-900. The deliveries will begin in mid-2027. On top of this, the airline has already confirmed a firm order for 30 more A350s, doubling its total to 60 wide-body jets. It is also considering exercising purchase rights for an additional 40 A350s. This could raise its wide-body order book to 100 aircraft.

Codeshare Agreements for USA Flights

IndiGo Codeshare with American Airlines: In order to provide services on the most popular international route USA-India, IndiGo has partnered with several airlines. IndiGo maintains a codeshare agreement with American Airlines. This allows American to sell seats on IndiGo 6E flights between Delhi-Bengaluru and Delhi-Mumbai. The deal also promises expansion to over a dozen more Indian cities. It gives American passengers access to IndiGo’s domestic network. Currently, American Airlines only operates New York to Delhi flights.

IndiGo Codeshare with Turkish Airlines: By signing the codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines, IndiGo is able to connect to USA cities such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Passengers who want to travel from India to USA can book connecting flights via Istanbul on a single ticket through either IndiGo or its partner airlines’ website. IndiGo also has partnerships with airlines like Qatar Airways, Delta and Air France-KLM that further strengthen its global network. 

IndiGo airlines fleet is expected to have around 600 aircraft by 2030. It currently operates about 416. The airline delivers approximately one new aircraft each week and aims to maintain that growth rate through 2035. 

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IndiGo is one of the largest airlines in India. It is doing everything in its power to ensure it earns the largest slice of the pie in the aviation market, not just in India but internationally as well. In order to attract premium travelers, IndiGo is planning to introduce business class in its aircraft fleet by year end. Specific details of the tailor-made IndiGo business class product will likely be revealed in August. 

At present, IndiGo operates solely with an economy class. The IndiGo fleet consists of over 360 aircraft and operates around 2,000 flights daily. The introduction of a business class will mark a significant step in the airline’s evolution, reflecting India’s growing economy and changing travel preferences. Notably, this announcement comes shortly after IndiGo’s decision to purchase 30 wide-body aircraft. 

A New Travel Experience with IndiGo Business Class Seats 

IndiGo airline’s new business class flights aim to cater to the rising demand for premium travel options. The service will likely be launched on the busiest and most business-focused routes in the country and is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

As mentioned above, complete information regarding the product offering, specific routes, and launch date will be revealed in August. Notably, this will be coinciding with IndiGo’s 18th anniversary. This strategic announcement showcases IndiGo’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience and meeting diverse travel needs.

IndiGo Loyalty Program and International Expansion

IndiGo is popular globally as a top low-cost carrier (LCC). It is also planning to launch a loyalty program typically associated with FSC products. Additionally, the airline recently announced plans to enter the long-haul market. For this, IndiGo placed an order for 30 Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft. This expansion marks a departure from its current fleet of over 350 narrow-body jets, except for two Boeing 777 aircraft that are used for flights to and from Istanbul.

The introduction of IndiGo business class seats on select domestic routes is likely a precursor to offering this service on international routes. IndiGo plans to use aircraft like the A321XLR and the wide-body A350 for medium and long-haul international flights. This will likely cater to high business travel demand.

Also Read: Which Airlines Provide the Best Business Class Seats from USA to India

With these passenger-focused initiatives, IndiGo aims to compete with top airlines like Air india. The airline not only aims to attract more premium travelers but also expand on popular routes such as USA-India. 

People flying from USA to India through Indian Eagle travel often seek more flight options. As IndiGo is expanding its fleet and enhancing its services, it may give competition to Air India on the said route. 

What are your views on the introduction of IndiGo business class? Do you think IndiGo can compete with Air India in offering flights from USA to India? Comment below and let us know about your thoughts on the growth of the Indian aviation industry.

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2023 was a record-breaking year for the aviation industry. From witnessing an increase in air travel demand post-COVID to airlines expanding their fleet for further boosting operations, it saw a rapid growth. Boeing and Airbus, two popular aircraft manufacturers, competed against each other to get the most bookings. With a whopping net order of 2,094 jets, Airbus was a clear winner. And massive Indigo and Air India Airbus A320 orders contributed significantly to this achievement. 

Air India placed a substantial order for 250 aircraft from Airbus in 2023. It included 210 narrowbody jets from the Airbus A320 family. This also comprises 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo aircraft. IndiGo, one of the largest airlines in India, shaped its extended future through a definitive order for 500 Airbus A320 family aircraft. 

Airbus Delivers 735 Aircraft in 2023

The European manufacturer not only met but exceeded its delivery targets. Outperforming its own goal of 720 deliveries. Airbus successfully delivered 735 aircraft to its customers last year. Airbus’s success is underlined by the popularity of its aircraft models, particularly the A320 family for short-haul journeys and the A350 for long-haul flights. The enduring demand for these fuel-efficient and technologically advanced planes has contributed significantly to its stellar performance in 2023.

Airbus Deliveries for Indian Airlines 

The new Air India Airbus A320neo arrived in Delhi in October 2023. And since then an Airbus A350 has also joined the Air India fleet, which will begin operations in January 2024. Even IndiGo expects to get a continuous influx of deliveries from 2030 to 2035. When delivered, these orders are expected to increase the frequency of both Air India and IndiGo flights. 

Also Read: Air India Unveils Sleek Interiors of India’s First Airbus A350 900 in Delhi

As the Indian aviation industry continues to grow, major airlines in India continue to prefer Airbus to acquire advanced and sustainable aircraft. Airbus aims to sell Airbus A350s for long-haul flight routes such as the USA to India. And plans to supply the jets of the Airbus A320 family for short-distance flights. 

If you are planning to book flights to India, you can book your travel with Indian Eagle. It’s a reliable travel partner that has been satisfying thousands of customers flying on the USA-India route for 15+ years now. So, why wait? Plan your Indian Eagle itinerary today! 

How many orders do you think Airbus will receive in 2024? Which airline will place the most orders? How many Air India Airbus A320 jets will be delivered this year? Comment below and share your opinions on Airbus’s significant achievement.

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