IndiGo Airlines is making bold moves to expand its global footprint, with plans to wet-lease six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways and fast-track the delivery of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft. These strategic steps are part of the airline’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the long-haul market and accelerate its international operations.
Wet-Lease of Boeing 787-9s Set to Launch Long-Haul Routes
In a significant expansion of its international operations, IndiGo plans to take delivery of six Boeing 787-9s from Norse Atlantic Airways in 2025. According to The Economic Times, the first two aircraft are expected to enter service by February 2025, with the remaining four to join by September 2025. These widebody aircraft will enable IndiGo to begin operating its first-ever long-haul routes.
The airline has set its sights on Europe, with London and Paris emerging as potential initial destinations for the new services. Currently, IndiGo does not operate any widebody aircraft in its own fleet, relying instead on wet-leasing for its international expansion. The airline currently uses two Boeing 777-300ERs leased from Turkish Airlines, which are dedicated to flights between Mumbai and Delhi and Istanbul Airport.
While both IndiGo and Norse Atlantic have refrained from officially commenting on the deal, Norse Atlantic recently announced plans to lease out six of its Boeing 787-9s to an undisclosed “reputable international airline.” This arrangement highlights the Norwegian carrier’s efforts to boost its ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) contract revenues, as it looks to capitalize on the growing demand for international travel. Norse Atlantic’s fleet includes 12 Boeing 787-9s, split between its operations in Norway and the UK.
Changing Aviation Landscape in India Supports Expansion
This new wet-lease agreement is possible due to recent changes in India’s aviation regulations. Historically, India had restrictive policies around ACMI contracts, but these have been relaxed in recent years to encourage the growth of domestic carriers, particularly amid the ongoing global aircraft shortage.
The ability to quickly scale up long-haul operations by leasing Boeing 787-9s aligns with IndiGo’s broader strategy of competing on international routes, including entering markets that have historically been dominated by other large carriers.
Airbus A350-900 Delivery Accelerated
In addition to the wet-lease arrangement, IndiGo is also negotiating with Airbus to expedite the delivery of its order for 30 Airbus A350-900s. Initially slated to begin entering service in 2027, IndiGo is working with Airbus to bring forward the timeline in order to meet its ambitious growth plans. The A350-900s are expected to be a core component of the airline’s future long-haul fleet, complementing the Boeing 787-9s.
The accelerated delivery of the A350-900s is a key part of IndiGo’s strategy to establish itself as a serious player on long-haul routes, especially as the airline looks to diversify its offerings and tap into the high-demand international market.
Aiming for Global Reach
With these moves, IndiGo is setting the stage for a significant leap in its long-haul capabilities. The wet-lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways and the expedited Airbus A350-900 delivery underscore the airline’s determination to break into new global markets and compete on the international stage.
As India’s largest airline by fleet size and market share, IndiGo’s entry into long-haul travel marks a major milestone in the country’s aviation landscape. By fast-tracking the expansion of its international services, IndiGo aims to capitalize on the growing demand for air travel post-pandemic and build a sustainable global presence.
With new aircraft joining its fleet and a rapidly expanding international network, IndiGo is well-positioned for the next phase of its growth trajectory, aiming for a prominent spot in the global aviation industry.
