GURUGRAM— India’s Largest Low-Cost Carrier, IndiGo Airlines (6E), is reportedly on the verge of converting its purchase rights for 40 additional Airbus A350 aircraft into definitive orders, as stated by The Economic Times. These long-range widebody jets are set to bolster IndiGo’s expansion plans for international long-haul operations based from its main hub in Delhi (DEL).
The airline, leading in market share in India, had initially ordered 30 Airbus A350-900s and later confirmed an additional 30 in June 2024, bringing the total to 60. The prospective addition of 40 more A350s would elevate IndiGo’s future widebody fleet to a substantial 100 aircraft.
Airbus executive Benoit de Saint-Exupéry confirmed IndiGo’s intention to acquire more widebody aircraft, noting that the airline’s initial purchase rights demonstrated substantial strategic insight.
“Given the growth and dynamics of the Indian market, it’s easy to understand why there’s a demand for more advanced, long-range aircraft,” he remarked.
While a defined timeline for these new orders has yet to be disclosed, this development indicates IndiGo’s ongoing effort to expand beyond its traditional domestic and short-haul international offerings.
Deliveries for the 60 confirmed Airbus A350-900s are set to commence in mid-2027. These aircraft, capable of covering distances of up to 18,000 km non-stop, mark a significant new chapter for the airline’s international goals.
It is still uncertain if the upcoming order will also encompass the larger A350-1000 variant, which offers increased capacity (up to 410 passengers) and greater range compared to the A350-900.
At present, Air India (AI) stands as the only Indian airline with A350-1000s ordered, featuring a four-class layout, inclusive of first class.
For IndiGo, which has historically adhered to a single-class, low-cost model, a transition to the A350-1000 could suggest a diversification in its operational strategy, particularly if it aims to compete with full-service airlines on popular long-haul routes.
In June 2023, IndiGo made history with the largest single aircraft order in the world: a staggering 500 Airbus A320 family jets. This brought its total backlog for A320neo, A321neo, and A321XLR variants to nearly 1,000 aircraft. When including the A350s, IndiGo now has around 1,400 aircraft on order.
To date, the airline has received over 455 aircraft, illustrating a robust strategy centered on growth, network expansion, and competitive cost management.
Airbus is optimistic about the Indian market, acknowledging the potential for A220 aircraft to effectively serve India’s regional routes. These smaller jets offer versatility on less trafficked routes, complementing the long-range abilities of the A350 series.
Airbus also intends to amplify its procurement from India. The European aerospace giant currently sources components worth approximately $1.4 billion annually from Indian suppliers and has plans to increase this by $600 million “well before the end of this decade,” according to Maillard.
India’s aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, spurred by a young population, a burgeoning middle class, and strategic geographic positioning.
Situated between Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, India is emerging as an essential connector in global air travel.
As of May 31, Airbus had accepted 1,391 orders for the A350 family and delivered 648 units worldwide.
The list price for an A350-900 is estimated at $308.1 million, while the A350-1000 is valued at $355.7 million, though final costs are typically determined through private negotiations.
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Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/07/09/indigo-may-order-40-new-airbus-a350s/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=indigo-may-order-40-new-airbus-a350s
