IndiGo Places Record-Breaking Order for 500 Airbus Aircraft

Indian airline IndiGo today placed an order for a record purchase of 500 Airbus A320 family aircraft. The order increases IndiGo's total Airbus aircraft on order to 1,330 and sets the record for the largest single purchase agreement in the history of commercial aviation. The deal is valued in the ballpark of USD $50 billion.
 

There are no further details on the specific types of aircraft ordered. Signs point towards a top-up of the A320neo, A321neo, and A321XLR fleet types. Airbus' order book of A320 aircraft continues to grow. Deliveries will commence in 2030 and end in 2035. 

"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. 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. We cherish our long-standing relationship with IndiGo and are proud of our success together. We look forward to contributing to the growth of India's air connectivity in its domestic network and into international markets through the expansion of this formidable partnership", said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus.

India's second-largest airline, Air India, is also taking strides to grow its fleet. In February, the airline placed a $34 billion order for 470 aircraft, consisting of 90 Boeing 737 MAX jets, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and 10 of Boeing's new 777-9X aircraft. From Airbus, a separate but also $34 billion order for 140 A320neos, 70 A321neos, 34 A350-1000s, and six A350-900s was made.

This order comes two months after talks with the Indian government regarding the establishment of an international aviation hub in India. The planned venture will leverage the route networks of IndiGo and Air India to boost the interconnectivity between the airports and focus the country's main aviation operations on Delhi.

In addition, the order comes amid the Paris Air Show, the premier aviation trade show of the year. The landmark 500 aircraft order sets the tone for an otherwise quiet day one of the air show from Boeing. Airbus secured an order for 3 additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft from Air Mauritius and received a confirmation of 30 options from FlyNas.