Sources in the industry have informed Reuters that Boeing is the leading contender to receive an order for roughly 25 wide-body planes from IndiGo. This move comes as India's largest airline expands its international reach by adding new destinations. IndiGo is currently in discussions to buy Boeing's 787 Dreamliner twin-aisle aircraft, which is being compared to Airbus A330neo jets.
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The sources, who have requested anonymity as the negotiations are confidential, have stated that no final decision has been made yet. IndiGo has declined to comment on the matter, while Boeing has chosen not to provide a statement. Airbus has stated that it does not comment on ongoing discussions with potential and existing customers.
In March, the media initially reported about IndiGo's talks with Airbus and Boeing for wide-body aircraft. These new discussions have come just weeks after IndiGo placed a record-breaking order for 500 Airbus narrow-body jets, following in the footsteps of its rival Air India's 470 Airbus and Boeing plane order. Indian airlines are trying to keep pace with the world's fastest-growing aviation market, where demand for air travel has skyrocketed post-COVID, leading to the breaking of industry records even as aircraft manufacturers struggle to meet production goals.
IndiGo, which currently owns 58% of India's domestic market, is aiming to double its capacity by the end of the decade and expand its network, particularly in international markets. Recently, IndiGo has launched flights to destinations in Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia, and is also increasing its presence in Europe via its codeshare partnership with seven airlines including Turkish Airlines and KLM. So far, IndiGo has only purchased Airbus narrow-body jets. If a deal for wide-body planes is reached, it would mark a significant change in strategy. Earlier this year, the airline began international operations utilizing a Boeing 777, its first twin-aisle aircraft obtained from partner Turkish Airlines, which provided the pilots.