IndiGo recently secured a deal with Airbus for 30 A350-900 widebody aircraft, highlighting the airline's commitment to enhancing its long-distance flight capabilities and competing with other major carriers on lucrative international routes like India-US, India-Australia, and India-Europe. The A350-900 models, to be powered by Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engine, boast a range of approximately 15,000 kilometers, underscoring IndiGo's strategic move towards establishing a strong presence in the international aviation sector.
In addition to the recent A350-900 order, IndiGo has also made a significant aircraft acquisition in the past, including a deal for 500 A320neo family planes from Airbus and an earlier order for 460 planes from the same manufacturer, affirming the airline's ambitious plans for future growth and expansion. The airline's CEO, Pieter Elbers, expressed enthusiasm about the new aircraft order, emphasizing the pivotal role it will play in shaping IndiGo's trajectory to become a prominent player in the global aviation industry.
IndiGo's strategic shift towards long-haul and ultra-long-haul international routes aligns with the advice from Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who encouraged Indian carriers to focus on expanding their international flight operations to navigate the competitive landscape of the domestic aviation market effectively. The airline's emphasis on internationalization is evident through its increased international flight operations, reflecting a commitment to capturing a larger market share in the international air passenger traffic segment.