Low-cost carrier IndiGo announced a record-breaking order for Airbus A320 family aircraft at the Paris Air Show last month. The order takes IndiGo's backlog of just under 1,000 aircraft, setting it up as the largest operator of the type in the world for years to come. While the announcement caught the eyes of many, the airline did not specify details of the order, a common tactic taken by the airline. More than half of the the order comprises A321neos, which will significantly expand its current fleet of the aircraft type.
Details unveiled
According to a Twitter post from Richard Schuurman, a freelance aviation reporter, details regarding the massive order indicate that IndiGo expects more than 100 new A320neos.
Simple Flying reported the record-breaking announcement last month after rumors swirled around in the days prior. Pieter Elbers, the CEO of IndiGo, said the order allows the low-cost giant to boost India over the next decade.
“It is difficult to overstate the significance of IndiGo’s new historic order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. An order book now of almost 1000 aircraft well into the next decade, enables IndiGo to fulfill its mission to continue to boost economic growth, social cohesion and mobility in India.”
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Airbus order history
According to Airbus, the carrier has become one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world. Its first A320neo was delivered in March of 2016, and the fleet has since grown to 162 aircraft, which is the most out of the other A320 family variants it operates. The airline also has 79 A321neos and 21 A320ceos. Two A321 freighters are also in the carrier's fleet. The A321neo fleet will increase considerably, with the 375 planes specified in the order on Thursday and the previous firm orders.
"This landmark order marks a new chapter in Airbus and IndiGo's relationship that is democratising affordable air travel for millions of people in the world's fastest growing aviation market," said Airbus' Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer. "It is also a resounding endorsement of the A320 Family's best-in-class operating economics that have been powering IndiGo's growth for almost two decades.
In 2005, IndiGo ordered 100 A320 Family aircraft and an additional 180 in 2011, including the newer fuel-efficient A320neo Family variants. Three years later, 250 additional A320neo family aircraft were ordered, and then in 2019, the airline placed a firm order for 300 more jets, which put its then-total order book to 830 A320 Family aircraft. Now, with the announcement of 500 more, the airline is set to receive 1,330 planes.
Instrumental for India
The A320neo has made air travel more accessible to people in India as the country's economy continues to expand and rising disposable incomes allow millions of first-time flyers to a booming aviation market."
Elbers said IndiGo's historic order further highlights the airline's partnership with Airbus.
"At IndiGo, we take pride in being India's preferred airline for connectivity in and with India; and by doing so, being one of the leading airlines in the world," the CEO said. "This order strongly reaffirms IndiGo's belief in the growth of India, in the A320 Family and in our strategic partnership with Airbus."