IndiGo is reportedly nearing a sizable order of 25 Boeing 787 widebody aircraft. The Indian giant is looking to expand internationally and offer more destinations outside of the subcontinent. According to Reuters, the airline has been in talks with Boeing regarding its 787 family of jets, but Airbus isn't out of the picture yet - its line of A330neo aircraft is reportedly under consideration too.
Sources familiar with the situation have told Reuters that IndiGo is leaning towards ordering the Boeing 787, although no final decision has been reached. IndiGo did not immediately respond when reached for comment.
Since March, IndiGo has been in talks with both Boeing and Airbus regarding its widebody plans. Having fuel-efficient, modern, high-capacity aircraft will allow the airline to continue its expansion into new markets. IndiGo has recently launched new routes to Africa and Asia-Pacific and has partnered with several airlines in Europe. Its continued goal is to double its capacity by the end of the decade, and expanding its route variety goes hand in hand with this goal.
Its recent partnership with Turkish Airlines has also provided other benefits. The partnership is a codeshare agreement, but the close working relationship with Turkish Airlines has allowed IndiGo to begin international operations with a Boeing 777 leased, including pilots, from Turkish.
But the world is a big place, and operating its own aircraft will allow IndiGo to drive down the costs even further. Although this seems like a big move for a low-cost carrier, given the huge backlog of orders at both Boeing and Airbus, brand-new owned airplanes are still some years away. IndiGo could look to shorten this wait by partnering with a lessor who already has inventory or nearby delivery slots.
14/08/2023 Justin Foster/Simple Flying
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