IndiGo is to introduce direct flights to London, Athens, and eight other international destinations in the ongoing financial year, as the airline makes aggressive forays overseas. The country's biggest carrier wants to have a fleet of over 600 aircraft by FY30.
During a briefing in New Delhi, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers cited the immense opportunity in India's aviation industry, fueled by growth in passenger demand and continued infrastructure building. He forecasted that passenger figures would double from 2025 to 2030, boosted by this robust expansion and increased capacity.
In July, IndiGo will launch flights to Manchester (UK) and Amsterdam (Netherlands) from Mumbai. Further, the airline will introduce services on eight international cities including London (UK), Athens (Greece), Copenhagen (Denmark), Siem Reap (Cambodia), and four cities of Central Asia.
To be used for these overseas operations, IndiGo has taken on lease six Boeing 787-9 jets from Norse Atlantic Airways. Asked about what the future holds for the airline after 18 years of operation, Elbers had said, "picture abhi baaki hai"—the story is far from over.
The Mumbai-Manchester flights in July will be IndiGo's foray into long-haul operations. With revenue levels approximately USD 10 billion, IndiGo presently operates in over 90 domestic and 40 international routes with over 2,300 daily flights and 430+ aircraft fleet.
Elbers highlighted the potential for India to emerge as a major global aviation hub, pointing towards the nation's increasing ability to facilitate connection flights. Indian airlines currently carry around 45% of the country's international air traffic, while foreign airlines carry the other 55%.
The carrier also has one of the highest ratios of female pilots in the business, with women constituting approximately 15% of its pilot staff.
On strategic alliances, Elbers stated that even though IndiGo partners with other airlines, it has no immediate plans to take part in any formal alliance.
In a major milestone for Indian aviation, IndiGo is going to host the 81st Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in New Delhi this June—the first time the meeting is taking place in India in 42 years.
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