India’s largest domestic airline by market share, Indigo on Monday said single largest order of 250 aircraft by the company with European major Airbus reflects stabilising trend in the Indian aviation sector.
Asserting that it is a long term player, the no-frills carrier -- which has inked the order valued at little over $26 billion -- said Airbus would not have agreed to the deal if it was not sure about growth prospects in India.
Since its launch ten years ago in 2005, the Gurgaon-based carrier -- which is gearing up to list its shares -- has so far placed orders for 530 Airbus planes, making it one of the largest customers of the European aircraft maker.
IndiGo has already taken delivery of all 100 Airbus A320 planes which it had ordered in 2005.
“This new order further reaffirms IndiGo’s commitment to the long-term development of affordable air transportation in India and overseas. The additional fuel efficient A320neo aircraft will enable us to continue to bring our low fares and courteous, hassle free service to more customers and markets and will create more job opportunities and growth,” IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh in the statement.
IndiGo has already taken the delivery of all 100 Airbus A320 planes, which it had ordered in 2005, the airline said, adding that with the latest acquisition, IndiGo has ordered a total of 530 A320 Family aircraft with Airbus.
“This order confirms the A320 Family as the airliner of choice in the most dynamic aviation growth markets. We thank IndiGo and its co-founders, Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal for their tremendous vote of confidence,” Airbus Chief Operating Officer for customers John leahy said.
The A320 Neo comes with many features, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which are 15 per cent fuel-efficient from day one and 20 per cent by 2020, the statement said.