IndiGo breaks Air India record of single largest aircraft order with 500 Airbus planes

Low-cost carrier IndiGo has made the single largest aircraft order ever made by an airline in history. On Monday, June 19, at the Paris Air Show, IndiGo ordered 500 aircraft from French aerospace giant Airbus. This mega order breaks the record of Air India, which had finalised a deal for 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing in total. 

IndiGo's order for 500 aircraft is Airbus's single largest order with a single airline ever. The order ensures IndiGo will get a steady stream of deliveries between 2030 and 2035. The order is worth nearly $55 billion before any discounts. 

IndiGo's orders so far comprises A320NEO, A321NEO, and A321XLR aircraft.

In contrast, Air India's order was worth $150 billion. But so far, there are no details available on IndiGo's exact number of A320 and A321 aircraft and the engine selection. 

How many aircraft does IndiGo have in its fleet?

• With 500 more aircraft scheduled for deliveries between 2030 and 2035, IndiGo will have about 1280 aircraft in total. 
• With the Airbus order, IndiGo has become the largest A320 family customer. 

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What does it mean for IndiGo?

• The new deliveries will help IndiGo cut down its operating costs and improve fuel efficiency. 
• IndiGo is also trying to expand its presence in international destinations and the new deliveries will help it achieve its goals. IndiGo is already India's largest domestic airline. 
• IndiGo and Air India's massive aircraft orders are all in line with the expectation of India replacing China as the next big growth frontier in the aviation market. 
• Recently, the DGCA gave IndiGo and Vistara the go-ahead to operate new international flights starting in August.
• Some observers also speculate whether IndiGo is trying to "squat" on Airbus' production line. Meaning, any other airline which wants an A320 family aircraft between 2030 and 2035 will need to pay IndiGo a commission fee for their delivery slot. 

• Indian Airlines aren't the only ones expanding their fleet. Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair and Saudi-based Riyadh Air have also recently made large aircraft orders. 
• However, aircraft manufacturers face supply chain issues following the pandemic, rising costs, parts shortages, and a lack of skilled labour. 

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