IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has announced a massive order for 30 additional Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft, doubling its confirmed orders to 60. This strategic acquisition, announced on Friday, underscores the airline’s ambitious plans to expand its international footprint and cater to India’s booming demand for long-haul travel. With over 400 aircraft already in its fleet and more than 900 on order, IndiGo is positioning itself as a global aviation powerhouse.
The latest deal converts 30 of IndiGo’s 70 purchase rights for A350-900 aircraft into firm orders, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Airbus in June. While financial details remain undisclosed, the agreement marks a significant step in the airline’s partnership with Airbus. Additionally, IndiGo has secured a deal with Rolls-Royce to equip its A350 fleet with Trent XWB-84 engines, known for their fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and robust performance, delivering 84,000 pounds of thrust for long-haul operations. The first A350-900 is expected to join IndiGo’s fleet in 2027, complementing its existing long-haul operations, which began in July with leased Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, hailed the order as a testament to the airline’s confidence in the future of Indian aviation. “This firm order for 30 additional A350-900s reflects our commitment to connecting India with the world,” Elbers said. “These aircraft will play a pivotal role in expanding our reach and offering seamless travel to more global destinations.” The move comes as India’s aviation market experiences unprecedented growth, driven by a surging economy and rising household incomes. Airbus noted that the A350-900 is ideally suited to meet India’s aspirations for long-range travel, complementing the A320 family’s role in democratizing domestic air travel.
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The A350-900s will enable IndiGo to tap into high-demand international routes, offering passengers greater comfort and connectivity. The airline has already set its sights on new horizons, announcing plans to operate narrow-body A321XLR aircraft starting January 2026, with flights to Athens from Delhi and Mumbai. This dual strategy of expanding both wide-body and narrow-body fleets highlights IndiGo’s aggressive push to capture a larger share of the global market while maintaining its dominance in India’s domestic sector.
As India’s aviation landscape evolves, IndiGo’s investment in cutting-edge aircraft and sustainable technology signals a new era for the industry. With the A350-900’s advanced design and Rolls-Royce’s high-performance engines, the airline is poised to redefine long-haul travel, offering passengers an eco-friendly and reliable experience. As the first of these aircraft soar into service, IndiGo’s vision of connecting India to the world is set to take flight in a big way.
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