IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is in discussions with ATR, Embraer, and Airbus to expand its regional network by ordering at least 100 smaller aircraft, The Times of India reported.
The airline currently operates 45 ATR-72 planes with a seating capacity of 78 and is set to receive five more this year.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that IndiGo is likely to continue its partnership with ATR to leverage economies of scale.
However, the Airbus A220 and Embraer’s E-175 planes are also being considered, according to an ET report.
→ IndiGo places its first order for wide-body aircraft
This move to strengthen its domestic network follows IndiGo’s recent decision to enter the international long-haul market. On April 25, the carrier announced an order for 30 Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft. Apart from the ATRs, which are turboprops, IndiGo’s fleet comprises Airbus A320s and A321s, as well as two Boeing 777s on short-term lease from its codeshare partner, Turkish Airlines.
As the carrier responsible for 60% of India’s domestic air traffic, IndiGo recognizes the potential in smaller towns where demand for air travel is expected to increase significantly due to improved airport infrastructure and the government’s UDAN scheme, which aims to develop and incentivize regional air connectivity.
In 2017, IndiGo made a significant move by ordering 50 ATR-72 aircraft, venturing into the regional aviation market previously dominated by SpiceJet’s Bombardier Q400 planes. Since then, IndiGo has expanded its operations, connecting around 60 destinations with these aircraft.
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