In what could be a slight breather for IndiGo in terms of capacity, the airline is likely looking to wet-lease 10 Airbus A320 aircraft.
India's largest airline, by market share and fleet size, IndiGo has placed the request with the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). IndiGo's request is under process, DGCA sources told CNBC-TV18 on September 8.
DGCA sources on September 11 told CNBC-TV18 that the aviation regulator has since sought clarification from Indigo on its request.
IndiGo, in a statement to CNBC-TV18, said, "With the continuous rise in travel demand, we keep evaluating all possible measures to cater to our customers' needs." If DGCA grants permission, this would help the airline to add capacity in the upcoming winter season.
Earlier this month, the board of IndiGo approved the acquisition of an additional 10 A320 NEO aircraft from Airbus. These would be integrated into the airline's original 2019 order of 300 aircraft.
In June this year, IndiGo signed a massive order of 500 aircraft with Airbus at the Paris Air Show. The order book comprises a mix of A320NEO, A321NEO and A321XLR aircraft. The airline now has almost 1000 aircraft on order which are to be delivered by 2035.
According to reports, IndiGo is also in talks with OEMs to add 20 widebody aircraft to its fleet. IndiGo currently flies to eight domestic and 32 international destinations with over 1,900 daily flights. The airline has several aircraft grounded due to Pratt and Whitney engine issues.
First Published: Sept 8, 2023 12:40 PM IST
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