Amid talks with Boeing, IndiGo continues to push international frontiers.


Key Points:

  • IndiGo is reportedly in discussions to acquire around 25 twin-aisle aircraft from Boeing, specifically the 787 models.

  • This move follows IndiGo's recent colossal order of 500 narrow-body Airbus jets and is part of the airline's aggressive international expansion strategy.

  • While historically an Airbus narrow-body jet buyer, IndiGo started international operations earlier with a Boeing 777.

NEW DELHI — Boeing appears to be in a favorable position to secure an order from IndiGo for an estimated 25 wide-body aircraft, insiders informed Reuters. This development aligns with IndiGo's strategy to bolster its international presence and introduce new routes. Though the carrier is negotiating for Boeing's 787 twin-aisle jets, no official decision has been made. The proposed jets are rivaled by Airbus A330neo models.

Maintaining their discretion, insiders sought anonymity given the confidential nature of the discussions. When approached, neither IndiGo, Boeing, nor Airbus provided comments on the ongoing speculations.

This new dialogue with Boeing comes on the heels of IndiGo's monumental deal for 500 Airbus narrow-body aircraft. This move overshadowed a previous benchmark set by competitor Air India, which had ordered a total of 470 planes from both Airbus and Boeing. With post-COVID air travel demand skyrocketing, Indian airlines are racing to cater to the world's most rapidly growing aviation market. This uptick in demand has set new industry milestones, although airplane manufacturers are grappling with achieving production targets.

IndiGo's aspiration isn't solely to tap into this booming market; it holds a more significant vision. Owning 58% of India's domestic market share, the airline has ambitions to magnify its capacity twofold by the decade's conclusion. A primary focus is its international routes. This growth trajectory recently saw IndiGo initiating flights to Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia. Their European footprint is also expanding, courtesy of codeshare collaborations with major carriers, including Turkish Airlines and KLM.

Notably, IndiGo's acquisition history is predominantly populated with Airbus narrow-body aircraft. Any potential deal for wide-body planes, such as the current talks with Boeing, suggests a deviation from their conventional approach.