IndiGo Strengthens Long-Haul Strategy with Two Additional Leased Boeing 787s from Norse Atlantic
IndiGo, India’s leading airline by market share, has confirmed a new lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways to add two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to its fleet. The goal: to accelerate its entry into long-haul routes, a key strategy for the company’s international growth.
A Strategic Alliance That Gains Momentum
The agreement, announced this Thursday, stipulates that Norse Atlantic will provide the aircraft along with pilots and maintenance services, while IndiGo will supply the cabin crew. This type of arrangement, known as a damp lease, allows airlines to optimize operations without assuming the full operational costs of the aircraft.
With these two new additions, the partnership between the two companies now totals six wide-body aircraft operating under this model. One of these Dreamliners has already been in service since March 1 on the Delhi-Bangkok route.
The initial term of the new contract is six months, with the possibility of extension up to 18 months, offering operational flexibility in a high-demand environment with ongoing aircraft supply constraints.
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Betting on International Expansion in a Growing Market
IndiGo’s move aligns with its long-term strategy to significantly expand its international flight capacity by fiscal year 2030. Currently, the airline operates flights to over 40 destinations outside India, including cities like Venice and Phuket, and aims to establish itself as a major player in the long-haul market.
With nearly a 60% share of the domestic market, IndiGo seeks to replicate its dominance in the international segment, where demand continues to rise. Indian airlines are under increasing pressure to expand their capacity on international routes, just as deliveries of new aircraft remain limited due to global supply chain issues.
Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO and founder of Norse Atlantic Airways, emphasized the significance of the agreement: “This deal marks an important milestone in our collaboration with IndiGo and strengthens our partnership with one of the world’s leading airlines. The wet lease contract for a total of six aircraft reinforces our strategic and financial position in a volatile market.”
The partnership with Norse Atlantic has proven to be an efficient solution for IndiGo to grow its global presence without compromising the operational efficiency that defines its low-cost model.
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