Long-haul flights: IndiGo to induct the first 787-9 aircraft in March

To start long-haul commercial operations, airline major IndiGo on Thursday said that it has entered into an agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for damp lease (leased aircraft accompanied by crew) of one Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Accordingly, the aircraft will be arriving in India in the next few weeks and is expected to start operations in March 2025. The airline said that this partnership underscores IndiGo’s strategic efforts to expand its geographic reach and provide its customers with more options for international travel.

Industry sources told businessline that the airline will deploy the Boeing 787-9 aircraft to open new international routes and support direct connectivity, while the Airbus XLRs, which are also expected to join its fleet this year, will be the main stay of its long-haul operations.

For ultra-long-haul operations, IndiGo has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus 350-900 wide-body aircraft with an option for an additional 70 aircraft, whose deliveries are expected to commence from 2027.

Europe debut

It is widely speculated the airline will launch long-haul international operations to Europe in this year’s summer season utilising the 787-9 aircraft.

“As part of our broader strategy to significantly expand our international network, we are pleased to confirm this damp lease of one Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways,” IndiGo’s Chief Executive Pieter Elbers said in a statement. “Our vision is to transform into a global player by 2030 while having strong roots and continuous expansion in India, and we are strategically moving ahead in that direction.”

As per the airline, the initial term of the agreement is six months, extendable to up to 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals.

“Both parties remain committed to exploring opportunities to further extend this period, subject to regulatory approvals. IndiGo and Norse will continue exploring opportunities to contract additional aircraft and increase their collaboration further,” the statement said.

“IndiGo is committed to providing an exceptional travel experience to its customers and expanding its international footprint to cater to the growing demand for international travel to and from India.”