IndiGo purchases 30 long-range Airbus A350s. Will India to US non-stop routes be next?

IndiGo, with a 60% share of the Indian aviation market, has revealed plans to double its capacity by 2030 and venture into international expansion. This expansion includes operating ultra-long-distance flights, including potential India-US direct flights, putting the airline in direct competition with Air India and Vistara. In a record-breaking deal with Airbus, IndiGo announced a 500-aircraft order last year, and the airline’s current order book stands at a staggering 1,000 planes.

As part of its expansion plans, IndiGo has agreed to purchase 30 Firm A350-900 aircraft from Airbus, which will allow the airline to further extend its network and connect various Indian metros to the world. These aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce’s Trent XWB engine. The exact configuration of the planes will be decided later, with deliveries expected to commence in 2027.

IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, sees this as a historic moment for the airline, marking a new chapter and shaping the future of Indian aviation. The addition of the 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft is regarded as the next phase of IndiGo’s evolution as a major global player in the aviation industry. Addressing the strategic partnership with Airbus, the CEO expressed pride in being India’s preferred airline and emphasized the commitment to India’s growth.

Airbus’ Executive Vice President (Sales), Commercial Aircraft, Benoit de Saint-Exupery, expressed excitement about the close partnership with IndiGo and the significance of the A350 selection in further opening the world to India. Airbus has pledged to support IndiGo in its strategic step and expressed gratitude for the continued trust placed in the company by the IndiGo team.