By Theo Leggett in Paris & Nikhil Inamdar in Mumbai
IndiGo’s Landmark Deal for 500 Airbus A320 Aircraft Steals the Spotlight at Paris Airshow
Indian carrier IndiGo has shattered records with an unprecedented order for 500 Airbus A320 aircraft, marking the largest single purchase agreement ever made by an airline in commercial aviation history. The historic deal, announced on the inaugural day of the Paris Airshow, carries an estimated value of approximately $55 billion, excluding potential bulk-order discounts.
With this acquisition, IndiGo’s order book with Airbus now stands at an impressive 1,330 aircraft. Scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2035, these new additions will not only enhance IndiGo’s operational efficiency and fuel savings but also position the budget carrier as a major player in the thriving Indian aviation market. With India projected to outpace China as the next growth frontier for the aerospace industry, the country’s rising disposable incomes and a large untapped population of potential air travelers provide a fertile ground for expansion.
This groundbreaking purchase by IndiGo, alongside recent significant orders from other airlines, reflects a resurgence of confidence in the airline industry following the pandemic-induced downturn, although aircraft manufacturers continue to grapple with supply chain disruptions resulting from COVID-19. As the sector rapidly recovers, more remarkable orders are expected to emerge, signaling a promising future for the airliner market.
