Indian low-cost operator IndiGo has placed a mega order for 300 Airbus A320neo family jets valued at least $33 billion at list prices.
This is the biggest order Airbus has received from a single airline in a one off order.
“This order is an important milestone, as it reiterates our mission of strengthening air connectivity in India, which will in turn boost economic growth and mobility. India is expected to continue with its strong aviation growth and we are well on our way to build the world’s best air transportation system, to serve more customers and deliver on our promise of providing low fares and a courteous, hassle free experience to them,” said Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo.
Indigo’s massive order also includes the European manufacturer’s newly announced extra-long-range variant of the A320neo family, the A321XLR.
Airbus video highlighting the features of the A321XLR
Besides its regional flights, IndiGo, the largest airline of India, also aims to position itself as the mid-haul and long-haul service provider with the A321neo series planes.
The new deal brings the rapidly growing Indian carrier’s total orders to 730 aircraft, at the same time becoming the world’s biggest customer for Airbus’ A320neo family jets.
IndiGo was among the first airlines to order the Airbus’s revamped A320 (180 aircraft) when it was launched in early 2011. “We are delighted that IndiGo, one of our early launch customers for the A320neo, continues to build its future with Airbus, making IndiGo the world’s biggest customer for the A320neo Family,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful for this strong vote of confidence as this order confirms the A320neo Family as the aircraft of choice in the most dynamic aviation growth markets.” He added: “We are pleased to see our aircraft allowing IndiGo to take full advantage of the predicted growth in Indian air travel.”
IndiGo chose Franco-American manufacturer CFM International as the engine supplier for its A320neo jets. The airline already signed a deal with CFM International for more than 600 engines.
IndiGo dropped its previous supplier Pratt & Whitney due to frequent engine failures and A320neo groundings.
This month, the operator reported three in-flight engine shutdowns on its A320neos equipped with Pratt & Whitney’s PW 1100G engines.
On Oct. 28, Indian civil aviation body DGCA ordered IndiGo not to fly A320neos equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines with more than 3000 service hours.
An official from the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) says that there are currently 16 A320neo jets in IndiGo’s fleet on which Pratt and Whitney’s PW1100G engines have been used for more than 2,900 hours.
These planes must be fitted with at least one modified LPT engine within the next 15 days to continue to fly, the same DGCA official said.
Original article at www.airlinerwatch.com
