Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo will lease up to four Boeing 777 wide-body passenger aircraft to increase capacity on international operations, according to a report by India’s Financial Express, which cited industry sources.
The Gurgaon-headquartered airline, which is currently looking to solve capacity shortages on its international passenger flights, will wet-lease the additional Boeing 777 family planes, including Boeing 777-200 LRs [long range, ed.-] and 777-300 ERs [extended range, ed.-], the Financial Express said on October 12, 2022.
Under the wet-lease agreement, the lessor will provide the airline with aircraft and crew as well as support the airline with maintenance and insurance services. The leased 777s are expected to operate IndiGo international routes during the 2022 winter season.
“As an interim measure, we have decided to take on wet lease certain aircraft to cover the shortfall for our scheduled international operations. We have received in-principal approval from the regulators and the induction of these aircraft remains subject to further requisite regulatory approvals,” an IndiGo spokesperson said.
“We are committed to exploring every opportunity possible to overcome these capacity challenges and provide our customers with efficient and affordable air travel,” the spokesperson added.
According to Planespotters.com, IndiGo currently operates a narrow-body fleet of 267 planes, consisting of 35 ATR 72 turboprops, 20 Airbus A320-200s, and 143 A320neos, as well as 68 A321neos and single A321-200 jet.
News of the agreement follows a recent statement from IndiGo announcing that the carrier will expand its current international network of 26 destinations with direct flights from Mumbai (BOM) and Istanbul (IST) in Turkey.
“In line with our vision to strengthen international connectivity from India, we have launched a new connection between Mumbai- Istanbul. This will enhance international capacity and offer more options to the consumers,” IndiGo head of global sales Vinay Malhotra said in the statement, which was released on October 11, 2022.