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IndiGo is accelerating its European expansion by leasing at least three more Boeing 787-9 wide-body planes from Norse Atlantic Airways, aiming for summer flight launches. This follows the induction of one leased 787-9, currently operating the Delhi-Bangkok route as a pilot for wide-body operations. Complementing its future Airbus orders, IndiGo is using damp leases to rapidly expand its international footprint. With a dominant domestic market share, IndiGo is capitalizing on rising international travel demand, challenging Air India's European monopoly. This move signals IndiGo's strategic shift to long-haul, global operations.
IndiGo will strengthen its overseas expansion plans by leasing a minimum of three more Boeing 787-9 wide-body planes from Norse Atlantic Airways. The decision comes in line with the airline's plan to have direct flights to Europe, with operations planned to begin this summer. One of these aircraft has already been inducted on a wet lease, while the other three are expected to land in India during the second half of the year. Advertisement
IndiGo had previously said that the existing Boeing 787-9 aircraft would start operating European flights by mid-summer. Meanwhile, the aircraft will be operating the busy Delhi-Bangkok route, a strategic move which has been viewed as a pilot operation to get the airline used to wide-body operations on a mature international sector.
Part of its overall strategy of internationalisation, IndiGo also plans to induct additional-long-range Airbus A321XLR narrow-body aircraft from 2025-26, to be followed by Airbus A350 wide-body jets from 2027. However, rather than waiting for the deliveries, IndiGo is pushing its international expansion by taking on additional wide-body aircraft through damp lease deals. The airline has said that it is still in the mood for taking on more such aircraft for fueling its expansion.
With a near-monopoly of the Indian air market with a market share of more than 60%, IndiGo has been rapidly expanding overseas, especially following increasing demand for foreign travel from India. In the last two to three years, the carrier has also boosted its global network by adding new routes to various Central Asian, Caucasus, Southeast Asian, and African cities, with a focus on flying to them from its narrow-body fleet. Entering the European market was, therefore, highly expected since Air India is the sole Indian airline operating direct long-haul services to the region as of now.
Demand for direct flights from India to Europe has grown over the past few years, with Air India traditionally holding a stronghold on this sector. IndiGo's entry can provide competitive prices and better connectivity, disrupting the market. Indian carriers such as Jet Airways have tried long-haul low-cost operations in the past but have failed financially, eventually shutting down in 2019. IndiGo's strategy is to ride these challenges better.
IndiGo's move to take on more wide-body aircraft under lease highlights its aggressive expansion in long-haul international travel, especially in Europe. Through damp lease deals, the airline will be able to grow its presence in the international market without waiting for new-plane deliveries. The move reflects a strategic shift beyond its traditional low-cost model and positions IndiGo as a global player in the aviation industry.
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