GURUGRAM- IndiGo (6E) leases three additional Boeing 787 aircraft from Norse Atlantic (N0) ASA to expand its long-haul fleet. This move supports the airline’s international growth strategy as it shifts towards long-haul operations.
The agreement strengthens IndiGo’s position in the global market, complementing its existing domestic and regional network.
The wet lease agreement aligns with Norse Atlantic ASA’s revised business strategy, balancing its own scheduled network with long-term ACMI contracts. Norse has reported record-high load factors, signaling strong operational performance as it finalizes aircraft leases with IndiGo.
Photo: AeroConceptsIndiGo Leases Three Boeing 787
IndiGo (6E), India’s largest airline by fleet size and passengers carried, has taken another step toward international expansion by leasing three additional Boeing 787 aircraft from Norse Atlantic ASA.
The agreement follows an initial lease deal signed in February, bringing the total number of aircraft leased to IndiGo from Norse to four.
The three new aircraft are expected to begin operations in the second half of 2025, serving long-haul routes from India.
The agreement has an initial six-month term, extendable to 18 months, pending regulatory approvals.
This strategic move accelerates IndiGo’s transition into long-haul services, complementing its firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2027.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalNorse Atlantic’s ACMI Strategy
Norse Atlantic ASA continues to refine its dual ACMI and scheduled network strategy. The airline reported a 92% load factor in Q4 2024, the highest in its history, alongside a 46% increase in passengers carried.
Revenue for the quarter reached $123.1 million, marking a 30% year-over-year growth.
By entering firm ACMI lease contracts with IndiGo, Norse is diversifying revenue streams while maintaining a fleet of 11 aircraft for its scheduled network.
The agreement secures year-round revenue, ensuring operational stability amid market fluctuations.
Norse’s financial performance has also improved, with a reduction of $30 million in quarterly losses compared to Q4 2023. While the airline recorded an overall net loss of $35 million for the quarter, December was profitable.
The strategic realignment, including redelivery of underutilized aircraft, is expected to further enhance financial stability.
Photo: AeroconceptsStrengthening IndiGo’s Global Reach
IndiGo has long dominated the domestic and regional markets, carrying over 113 million passengers in 2024.
The airline’s shift towards long-haul operations reflects its ambition to become a key global player.
With Norse Atlantic’s Boeing 787 aircraft supplementing its future Airbus A350 fleet, IndiGo is positioning itself for sustained international expansion.
The airline’s collaboration with Norse underscores its commitment to fleet modernization and operational efficiency.
As regulatory approvals proceed, both parties continue exploring extended partnerships, signaling potential future agreements.
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IndiGo Airlines to Take Delivery of First Airbus A321XLR in June 2025
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