Boeing is emerging as the top contender to secure an order for around 25 wide-body aircraft from IndiGo, India's largest airline, according to industry sources cited by Reuters on Monday. As IndiGo ramps up its international expansion with new destinations, it is in discussions to purchase Boeing's 787 twin-aisle aircraft family, pitting it against Airbus' A330neo, insiders familiar with the matter revealed. No final decision has been made, and the sources, requesting anonymity due to the confidential nature of negotiations, emphasized that talks are ongoing.
These recent discussions come weeks after IndiGo placed a record order for 500 narrow-body aircraft from Airbus, overshadowing its rival Air India's previous agreement for 470 Airbus and Boeing planes.
Amid the post-COVID surge in air travel demand, propelling the aviation market to unprecedented heights, Indian airlines are racing to keep pace with the world's fastest-growing aviation market. As aircraft manufacturers strive to meet production targets, IndiGo's move holds significance. The airline, which holds a 58% share of the Indian domestic market, is aiming to double its capacity by the end of the decade while expanding its footprint, especially in international markets.
IndiGo's expansion ambitions include new flights to destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, along with an increased presence in Europe through its code-sharing partnerships with seven airlines, including Turkish Airlines and KLM. Notably, IndiGo has thus far exclusively procured narrow-body aircraft from Airbus, making the potential acquisition of wide-body planes a strategic shift. Earlier this year, the airline began its international operations with a Boeing 777, its inaugural twin-aisle aircraft, acquired from partner Turkish Airlines, which also provides the pilots.
IndiGo's bold move into the wide-body market underscores its determination to leverage the growing global travel demand and position itself as a dominant player in both domestic and international segments. While the decision is pending, the potential shift in strategy reflects the ever-evolving dynamics of the aviation industry and airlines' pursuit of effective fleet management.
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