IndiGo to Damp Lease Three More Boeing 787-9 for International Expansion

Domestic carrier IndiGo announced on Wednesday that it will induct three additional Boeing 787-9 planes into its fleet under a damp lease arrangement with Norse Atlantic Airways. This strategic move comes as IndiGo prepares to launch flights to Europe from mid-summer this year.

Currently, the Gurugram-headquartered airline operates two widebody Boeing 777 planes, wet leased from Turkish Airlines, flying routes from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul. Earlier this month, IndiGo signed a deal for one Boeing 787 with Norse Atlantic Airways.

### New Aircraft Arrivals and Operations

The delivery of the first widebody B787 is on track and scheduled to start operations on the Delhi-Bangkok route from March 1, 2025. IndiGo has now signed another firm agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for the damp lease of three Boeing 787-9 aircraft, expected to arrive in India in the second half of 2025 to serve long-haul routes out of the country.

In a damp lease arrangement, the lessor provides the maintenance along with the aircraft but not the crew and insurance. The damp lease of these three planes is initially for six months but can be extended up to 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals. Both parties are committed to exploring opportunities for further extension.

### Strategic Collaboration and Expansion

IndiGo and Norse Atlantic Airways will continue to explore opportunities to contract additional aircraft and increase their collaboration further. This milestone underscores IndiGo’s strategic commitment to broadening its global presence and offering a wider range of travel opportunities to its customers.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer at IndiGo, stated, “As we execute our broader strategy to strengthen and extend our international network, we are steadily advancing towards our vision of becoming a global player by 2030, firmly rooted in India and driven by continuous expansion.”

### Growing Fleet and Future Plans

With the addition of these aircraft, IndiGo will have a total of six widebody planes, including four B787s and two B777s, in its fleet. Its current operational fleet stands at 355 aircraft. Besides wet and damp lease of widebody aircraft to expand its international market presence, IndiGo has also placed a firm order for 30 Airbus 350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70 aircraft. Deliveries are expected to commence from 2027.

IndiGo remains focused on expanding its global footprint to cater to the growing demand for international travel to and from India, continuously working towards its goal of becoming a leading global airline.

Stay tuned for further updates on IndiGo’s expansion plans and international routes.