News
IndiGo to order 50 wide bodies?
December 1st 2017
India’s largest carrier by market share, IndiGo Airlines, is considering an order for 50 wide body aircraft, India’s Economic Times has reported, and cited IndiGo as the source of the news. Read More » A potential order would hinge on IndiGo acquiring the long-haul operations of Air India. The flag carrier is notoriously loss-making and prone to last minute cancellations and delays.
Earlier this year, IndiGo president, Aditya Ghosh, said the budget airline was keen on taking over Air India’s international network and fleet if the government would absorb the majority of the Star Alliance member’s massive debt.
IndiGo shareholders were unhappy about any form of partnership or buyout agreement with Air India so Ghosh set out to calm investors and staff.
"We are not going to take on debts and liabilities (for acquiring Air India) that could not be supported by the new restructured operations. Let me be very clear. If it is not profitable and does not add value to our employees, customers and shareholders, we will not embark on this journey. You can rest assured that your leadership team and the founders of IndiGo will never do anything to jeopardize what you helped build and will always act in the best interest of IndiGo,” Ghosh said.
Whatever the outcome, it is clear that IndiGo intends to enter the long-haul market, either via a part acquisition or an aircraft order on its own. IndiGo operates 118 A320ceo and 27 A320neo and has 405 A320neo and 25 A321neo on order from Airbus.
