Indian low cost carrier IndiGo is working hard for a bright future. Former KLM Royal Dutch Airlines CEO Pieter Elbers is leading the growth of the airline. Earlier this month, IndiGo signed the first codeshare agreement for connections with the United States. And last month, the codeshare agreement with Air France-KLM was extended. Today, Airbus and IndiGo announced a record order for 500 Airbus A320 aircraft to support the continued growth of the Indian low-cost carrier.

IndiGo places record order at Airbus

Airbus and IndiGo announced today that the Indian low cost carrier placed a record order. The French aircraft manufacturer will build 500 new Airbus A320 aircraft for IndiGo. It’s the largest single aircraft type order to date. Pieter Elbers, the CEO of IndiGo, signed the contract in France during the Paris Air Show. 

The Airbus A320 is a very popular single aisle aircraft. Not only because the cabin features the latest technology, but also because the engines and fuselage help to optimise fuel efficiency. Airbus has received over 8,700 orders for the A320neo family production line. 

IndiGo has sees big potential for the domestic market in India. The low cost carrier already says it already has the biggest domestic market share, but IndiGo wants more. The airline has added many domestic and international destinations during the lasts months – and to sustain it’s growth, it needs to grow its fleet too.

IndiGo fleet

The fleet of short and medium haul aircraft mainly serves the domestic market of India. The Airbus A320 and A321 are the most important aircraft. IndiGo currently operates 123 Airbus A320neo and 75 A321neo aircraft in an Economy Class only configuration.

Indigo currently offers flights to 100 destinations, of which 74 are within India and 26 internationally. 

This article is also published for InsideFlyer The Netherlands/Belgium.

Source photos: IndiGo / Airbus