For the first time in its operational history, India’s largest airline, IndiGo, will operate widebody aircraft. Reports have emerged that the budget airline will lease the larger jets for the winter schedule to maintain international operations amid a shortage of active planes. Those familiar with the matter have said that the planes will come from none other than IndiGo’s codeshare partner, Turkish Airlines.

IndiGo to fly Boeing 777s soon

In case you’re planning to fly IndiGo internationally in the coming few months, don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a widebody aircraft. The airline is planning to wet lease up to three Boeing 777 airplanes for high-capacity international routes.

IndiGo, which operates all-economy airplanes, will have the option of offering business class seats to passengers for the first time on select routes with these dual-aisle planes.

However, the carrier already operates a strong fleet of Airbus A320 family of aircraft and doesn’t even fly long-distance international routes to warrant large jets. So, what has prompted IndiGo to wet lease these 777s?

Supply-chain issues have grounded planes

The decision to wet lease the larger jets is an interim measure to maintain international operations. IndiGo is suffering from a capacity crunch as several of its planes are grounded due to a lack of spare parts. Engine makers have fallen behind schedule due to a global supply-chain issue, and several airlines, including IndiGo, have been at the receiving end.

IndiGo A320neo
Several IndiGo jets are grounded due to a lack of spare parts. Photo: Getty Images

With a wet lease, IndiGo will also be supplied with the crew for the planes and is likely to have an increase in operational costs. However, it’s essential to maintain operations to avoid losing market share and primary slots for certain destinations. This will be a make-shift arrangement until IndiGo sorts out its fleet issues. Even India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, allows wet leasing of airplanes for up to a maximum of six months.

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The airline released a statement explaining the situation and added,

“… as the aviation industry globally continues to face significant supply chain disruptions, the airline has been exploring a multitude of solutions to enable us to continue its operations smoothly and to provide its customers with efficient and affordable travel.”

“As an interim measure, we have decided to take on wet/ damp lease certain aircraft to cover the shortfall for our scheduled international operations. We have received an in-principle approval from the regulators for the same and the induction of these aircrafts remains subject to further requisite regulatory approvals”

Jets reportedly coming from Turkish Airlines

People aware of the matter have said that IndiGo will receive the 777s from its codeshare partner, Turkish Airlines. In fact, chances are that IndiGo will deploy these planes primarily for flights from Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) to Istanbul (IST).

Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-300ER
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Earlier this year, IndiGo and Turkish Airlines resumed their codeshare agreement, which was first announced in 2018. IndiGo already flies to Istanbul from Delhi and will start a daily service to the city from Mumbai on January 1st, 2023.

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The carrier already commands a dominant presence in the Indian domestic sector and is looking to grow and maintain its international presence, especially with a renewed Air India planning to expand its global reach with its own extensive network and fleet expansion plans.

What do you think about IndiGo’s decision to wet lease widebody jets? Please leave a comment below.

Source: The Economic Times