IndiGo orders for 30 Airbus A350-900, signals network expansion

IndiGo, India's largest carrier, is venturing into the wide-body aircraft segment with a bold move. Recently, they placed an order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, signaling a significant expansion of their network. The deal, valued at approximately $9 billion, is set to redefine IndiGo's presence in the global aviation arena.

The agreement, a milestone for both IndiGo and Rolls-Royce, includes Rolls-Royce's comprehensive TotalCare service, ensuring the health and maintenance of the engines. This marks the first-ever agreement between Rolls-Royce and the leading Indian airline.

Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, expressed excitement about the fleet addition, highlighting its role in propelling IndiGo into a leading global aviation player. He emphasized the airline's commitment to India's growth and its strategic partnership with Airbus.

Delivery of the Airbus A350-900 aircraft is expected to commence in 2027, with IndiGo also securing purchase rights for an additional 70 Airbus A350 family aircraft. These new additions will be powered by Rolls-Royce's Trent XWB engine, further solidifying the relationship between the two companies.

Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer at Rolls-Royce, hailed the substantial order as a significant win for the company, underlining the Trent XWB's position as the engine of choice among airline operators.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with IndiGo, emphasizing the airline's pioneering role in revolutionizing Indian domestic air travel and now embarking on further global expansion with the A350 selection.

IndiGo's move into the wide-body space comes amidst India's burgeoning aviation market, where demand is on the rise. With a market share exceeding 60%, IndiGo aims to expand its international footprint, having already commenced flight operations to Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Overall, this strategic move by IndiGo marks a significant step forward in its growth trajectory, leveraging advanced aircraft technology and partnerships to solidify its position in the global aviation landscape.