Gurugram, July 11 - IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest carrier by market share, is reportedly on the verge of a significant expansion in its long-haul strategy, with plans to convert purchase rights for 40 additional Airbus A350 aircraft into firm orders. This move would increase its total A350 order to 100, marking a transformative step for the low-cost carrier as it seeks to strengthen its presence in the global aviation market. The airline, which has historically dominated India’s domestic and short-haul international routes with its fleet of narrow-body Airbus A320 family aircraft, is now positioning itself to compete on long-haul international routes, challenging established players like Air India and major Gulf carriers.
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The potential order follows IndiGo’s earlier commitments for the A350-900, a long-range widebody jet capable of flying up to 18,000 kilometers non-stop. In April 2024, IndiGo placed a firm order for 30 A350-900s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in mid-2027. In June 2024, the airline converted 30 of its 70 purchase rights into firm orders, bringing the total to 60. The addition of 40 more A350s would not only double its widebody fleet but also signal a bold shift from its traditional low-cost, single-class model toward a more diversified operation. While IndiGo has not confirmed whether the new order would include the larger A350-1000 variant, which offers greater capacity and range, the airline’s focus so far has been on the A350-900, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines known for their fuel efficiency and performance.
This strategic expansion aligns with India’s booming aviation market, driven by a growing economy and increasing demand for international travel. IndiGo’s order book, already one of the largest globally, includes nearly 1,400 aircraft, primarily A320neo, A321neo, and A321XLR variants, with over 455 already delivered. The A350s will enable IndiGo to connect major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to long-haul destinations in Europe, North America, and Australia, markets currently dominated by foreign carriers. The airline has already begun testing long-haul operations with leased Boeing 787s and 777s, launching routes to cities like Manchester and Amsterdam in July 2025. These leased aircraft, including six Boeing 787s from Norse Atlantic Airways, are a stopgap measure until the A350 deliveries begin. The financial implications of the potential order are substantial, with the A350-900’s list price estimated at $308.1 million, though negotiated prices are typically lower.
The order for 40 aircraft could be valued at approximately $12.3 billion at list prices, reinforcing IndiGo’s commitment to scaling its international footprint. Airbus, a key partner, is also deepening its ties with India, sourcing $1.4 billion in components annually from Indian suppliers, with plans to increase this by $600 million before the decade’s end. This reflects the growing importance of India’s aviation ecosystem. IndiGo’s move to bolster its widebody fleet comes at a time when Indian carriers are reclaiming market share from foreign airlines. The A350s, with their advanced technology and passenger comfort, will allow IndiGo to offer competitive services on high-demand routes, potentially introducing dual-class configurations to attract premium travelers. As deliveries approach, the airline faces challenges in pilot training, regulatory approvals, and aligning its low-cost model with long-haul operations. Nevertheless, IndiGo’s ambitious fleet expansion underscores its vision to evolve from a regional powerhouse into a global aviation leader, capitalizing on India’s rapid growth as the world’s third-largest aviation market.