The delivery of IndiGo’s Airbus A321neos has been delayed by a further three to six months. The Indian carrier made a substantial order last year, hoping to use the aircraft in key expansion plans.

Plans on hold

Live Mint reports that the budget carrier’s proposals to increase frequencies on its routes may be put on hold due to the delay. Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, president and chief operating officer at InterGlobe Aviation Pvt Ltd, IndiGo’s parent company, has shared his frustration.

"The delivery of A321neo planes are expected to slow down. They are made in Hamburg where there are some (industrial) disturbances," Prock-Schauer said, as reported by Live Mint.

It is likely that IndiGo wants to use these A321s to fulfill the routes that were given to it following Jet Airways’ grounding. The airline will be eager to get their plans going and may look into short-term leasing options while it awaits the arrival of its grand order.

Additionally, the carrier had been planning its first direct flight to London from New Delhi. This service would give IndiGo its longest flight as at the moment, it only goes as far as Istanbul. However, the firm has scrapped those plans by giving up its London Gatwick slots due to its operational issues.

A321neo
The A321neo is being sought after for its increased seating capacity with optimized use of cabin space. Photo: BriYYZ via Wikimedia Commons

Frustrating time

In November 2018, IndiGo committed to the order of 150 airbus A321neos. The airline was originally only going to purchase 25 but it changed its mind and concerted 125 prospective A320neo orders into firm A321neo orders. Following this, the operator put a request for even more of the Airbus range this spring.

IndiGo's chief executive Ronojoy Dutta spoke with analysts during a call yesterday. The businessman further expressed his company’s annoyance at the postponement. He feels that IndiGo is raring to go but has to restrain due to external factors.

"Aircraft (delivery) delays are beyond our control. We are after Airbus (Airbus SE) to give us our planes," Dutta said, according to Live Mint. “There seems to be a problem with the supply chain as aircraft manufacturers are struggling with demand.”

A321neo
The A321neo has a range of 5,950km. Photo; Airbus

Other delays

IndiGo isn’t the only airline that has been impacted by the Airbus A321neo delays. Earlier this year, it was reported that five of American Airlines’ A321neos would not arrive until 2020 due to supply chain issues. Airlines will be hoping to receive their orders as soon as possible while they plan their operations heading into the next decade.

Simple Flying reached out to IndiGo to find out more about the delays. However, we hadn’t heard back before publication. We will update this article with any further announcements.

What do you think of these A321neo delays? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.