IndiGo to Wet Lease Boeing 787, Eyes London and Paris Flights

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DELHI– India’s leading low-cost carrier, IndiGo Airlines (6E), is once again turning to wet leasing as a solution to its operational challenges, this time, the airline is reportedly eyeing Boeing 787 Dreamliners as an option, which will be a new addition to its otherwise all-Airbus fleet.

If this deal materializes, it will mark a significant step for IndiGo in diversifying its fleet to serve the ever-growing demand and overcome operational constraints. I can tell you, it’s almost confirmed.

IndiGo Leasing Boeing 787

Reports indicate that IndiGo is in advanced discussions with Norse Atlantic Airways (N0) to wet-lease six Boeing 787s. This option is being looked at probably because engine-related issues continue to ground a considerable portion of IndiGo’s fleet, leaving the airline to seek external options to maintain its present network and also carry out expansion.

The wet-leased aircraft will likely help the airline cater to high-demand international routes, especially given the 787’s capabilities for long-haul operations.

Norse Atlantic Airways (N0) is a Norwegian-based low-cost, long-haul carrier headquartered in Arendal, Norway. The airline operates a fleet of all Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The airline currently operates 12 such aircraft, configured with dense seating layouts optimized for budget-conscious travelers.

Norse Atlantic’s focus on operating cost-efficient long-haul routes aligns with IndiGo’s low-cost business model, making it an ideal partner for this wet-lease agreement.

What this means to IndiGo?

While further details are still emerging, the potential induction of Boeing 787s into IndiGo’s fleet highlights the airline’s strategy to overcome its current challenges.

With its vast domestic network and ambitious international expansion plans, IndiGo is positioning itself to maintain its leadership in Indian aviation despite the hurdles it faces.

IndiGo might be looking to take up Market share on key International routes, especially from Air India (AI) which has huge wide-body aircraft orders.

The induction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, even though temporary, could also hint at IndiGo’s plans to test new capabilities as it evaluates the next steps in its fleet strategy of inducting A350s in the coming years.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and ability to serve long-haul routes efficiently. These qualities could open new possibilities for IndiGo’s future operations.

Evolving Fleet Through Recent Years

IndiGo, traditionally known for its all-Airbus fleet, has significantly diversified its fleet in recent years. IndiGo always had a fleet consisting of all Airbus aircraft, ever since they started their operations. However, in 2023, the airline for the first time inducted 777-300ER on a wet lease from Turkish Airlines (TK).

These were inducted to be operated exclusively on India-Turkey routes only. The airline currently operates them on Delhi and Mumbai-Istanbul routes.

In 2024, IndiGo expanded its Boeing fleet by inducting 737 MAX-8s this time from Qatar Airways (QR). IndiGo inducted them on a wet lease and now operates them exclusively on the India-Doha route.

In December 2024, IndiGo added another batch of 6 737 MAX-8s on a wet lease again from Corendon Airlines (XC). These aircraft are being operated exclusively from Chennai (MAA).

Now Looking ahead to 2025, the airline is looking to induct Boeing 787-9s, marking a significant milestone in terms of its fleet. If the deal with Norse Atlantic Airways (N0) is finalized, the airline will have a mixed fleet consisting of 737 MAX-8s, 777-300ERs, and 787-9s apart from its traditional Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 family aircraft.

This has to be the first time the airline is inducting the widebody aircraft on an independent basis. The earlier inducted 777-300ERs from Turkish Airlines (TK) were signed to be exclusively operated on India-Turkey routes only. This means, IndiGo cannot operate these aircraft anywhere else.

Potential routes for 787s

IndiGo, with the leased 787-9s, is looking to operate flights to Europe. If everything goes smoothly and as per the plans, the airline expects to induct its first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners by February 2025.

The airline also expects to induct all six 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft by September 2025.

IndiGo Airlines is currently evaluating London Heathrow (LHR) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) as its initial long-haul destinations. With the Boeing 787-9’s range and efficiency, the airline could give passengers a seamless travel experience between India and Europe, tapping into the growing demand for direct connectivity.

This move could mark a significant milestone in the airline’s network as the airline expands its presence beyond its traditional short-haul and medium-haul markets while retaining its traditional focus on cost-efficiency and service quality.

Why Europe?

London and Paris are home to large Indian diasporas, fostering strong cultural ties, and these cities attract a substantial volume of business travelers due to their global economic significance.

There are 1,864,318 Indians living in the United Kingdom as of 2023, accounting for 3.1% of the country’s population. Of this, a significant amount of the Indian population lives in the western London region. It seems obvious that London will be one of the first cities IndiGo (6E) will be looking to serve. London Heathrow (LHR)-India is also the busiest city in the India-Europe corridor.

France on the other hand, also has a significant Indian diaspora. There are about 549,000 Indian citizens living in France. Apart from this, close to 700,000 Indian tourists in 2023 visited France in 2023. This shows that France is a very attractive tourist destination for Indians. IndiGo’s low-cost business model could just fit this market perfectly.

From where in India?

Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) could potentially be the first Indian cities IndiGo might launch the flights from. Both these cities are traditional hubs for international travel and would be a no-brainer for the airline to enter the Delhi and Mumbai–Europe sectors.

Delhi (DEL) – London-Heathrow (LHR) and Mumbai (BOM) – London-Heathrow (LHR) could potentially be the first routes, due to the huge demand between these two cities and the city of London. But, will the airline be able to secure the slots at London-Heathrow is the question? Air India (AI) has consistently failed to secure slots even after requesting for the same.

IndiGo (6E) could look at flying to London-Gatwick (LGW) as an alternative, if the airline fails to secure or lease slots at London Heathrow (LHR). London-Gatwick (LGW) could also be less costly for the IndiGo (6E) to operate, compared to London-Heathrow (LHR).

Bengaluru (BLR), IndiGo’s 2^nd largest hub in the country after Delhi (DEL) could see IndiGo operating European routes if the airline decides to use the wide-body aircraft beyond Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM).

Bottom Line

As IndiGo continues wet-leasing aircraft, this move shows the airline’s commitment to meeting market demand, maintaining schedule reliability, and expanding its footprint in global aviation.

Whether this temporary solution leads to long-term changes in IndiGo’s fleet remains to be seen, but the addition of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners could be a game-changer.

Feature Image by AeroConcepts | X

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