IndiGo, India's largest airline, is aggressively expanding its international footprint through a multi-pronged strategy that includes significant aircraft orders and key partnerships with major global airlines. The airline has recently placed a firm order for 30 additional Airbus A350 aircraft, bringing its total commitment to 60 of these wide-body jets. This order underscores IndiGo's ambition to become a global airline by 2030. Deliveries of the initial order of 30 A350s are slated to begin in 2027 and continue into the early part of the next decade, with the subsequent 30 aircraft arriving later in the second half of the next decade. These aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce's Trent XWB engines.
In addition to bolstering its fleet, IndiGo has forged strategic partnerships with Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic. These collaborations aim to create a leading network connecting India with Europe and North America, capitalizing on India's rapidly expanding aviation sector. The partnerships will integrate IndiGo's extensive domestic network with the international reach of its partners. Delta will provide its North American presence, Air France-KLM their European coverage, and Virgin Atlantic their UK operations and transatlantic services. This coordinated effort promises travelers enhanced accessibility, streamlined connections, and consistent service standards across continents.
The partnerships extend beyond network integration, with the airlines exploring deeper collaboration on commercial activities such as network planning, loyalty programs, cargo operations, and sales. Non-commercial collaboration in maintenance, sustainability, training, and ground handling are also on the table, with an emphasis on technological integration to improve customer service. Since 2022, IndiGo has maintained partnerships with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic, providing customers access to over 30 Indian destinations. The addition of Delta will further strengthen these ties, facilitating new connections to transatlantic routes. KLM will launch a new Amsterdam-Hyderabad route in September 2025, further solidifying the partnership. Air France-KLM will also offer connections to 24 destinations beyond Hyderabad through IndiGo’s network.
To support its international expansion until the A350 deliveries commence, IndiGo is leasing six Boeing 787 aircraft. Using these leased aircraft, IndiGo plans to launch flights to 10 new international destinations during the fiscal year ending March 2026, including London and Athens. Starting in July 2025, IndiGo will launch direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam, with the Manchester route marking IndiGo's entry into the long-haul market. Additional destinations include Copenhagen, and Siem Reap, as well as four destinations in Central Asia. These new routes are part of IndiGo's plan to connect 40 international destinations and 20 Indian cities through over 100 new routes in FY25, reaching 90% of India's population.
IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, has emphasized the airline's ambition to become a global player, aiming to double its fleet size by 2030 and increase international capacity to 30%. With a substantial order book of over 900 aircraft, IndiGo is well-positioned to achieve these goals. Elbers has also highlighted the opportunities within the Indian aviation market, where surging demand is matched by rapid infrastructure growth. This expansion strategy reflects IndiGo's commitment to strengthening its position in the global aviation market and meeting the evolving needs of international travelers.
