IndiGo to buy 30 Airbus A350 aircraft, doubling its fleet

India’s largest airline IndiGo said on Sunday it had placed an order to buy another 30 Airbus A350 aircraft in addition to the 30 already in place.

"We are placing a firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900s," said IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers.

In April last year, the airline had placed an order for 30 A350 aircraft and there was an option to order 70 more such planes.

The airline, founded in 2006, has over 900 planes on order that are to be delivered in the coming years.

Expanding International Network

IndiGo is expanding its international network and is set to operate flights to 10 new overseas cities with leased Boeing 787 planes in the current fiscal year.

IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic on Sunday announced plans to build an industry-leading partnership connecting India with Europe and North America.

Elbers said: "IndiGo has embarked on an ambitious journey to become a global airline by 2030. This partnership represents another important milestone to pursue commercial synergies, operational excellence and innovation. This announcement not only expands our relationship with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic but also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we welcome Delta Airlines as a valued partner. "

"We are particularly excited to start our long-haul expansion from this Summer and connect with our partners' networks to provide greater access to Europe and North America. This strategic partnership enables a compelling combined customer proposition in the form of comprehensive intercontinental connectivity, seamless experience and great loyalty value. It also lays the groundwork for us to exchange best practices in areas of technology, operational excellence and service delivery," the IndiGo CEO added.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, said, "This agreement is another example of our commitment to making travel more connected, more inclusive and more accessible. Combining our strengths with those of IndiGo, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic will enable us to offer unparalleled connectivity and convenience, ensuring that our customers enjoy the highest standards of service and reliability across the globe."

Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, said: "We are very glad to extend our existing partnership with IndiGo and to do so alongside our partners Delta and Virgin Atlantic. India is a strategic market for Air France-KLM, where we have a strong and historic presence, soon to increase. We look forward to welcoming IndiGo customers on our flights and to play an active role in the country's connectivity."

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: "In our 25th year of flying to India, we're delighted to build on our Joint Venture with Delta and Air France-KLM, and our successful codeshare with IndiGo, by going further with this partnership. As IndiGo starts long haul operations, we'll connect four of the world's largest economies, enhancing the travel experience for our guests, from greater connectivity and optimized flight times to loyalty benefits."