IndiGo places `largest` aircraft order in aviation history

New Delhi/Paris, Jan 12 (PTI) In the single largest
aircraft deal in global aviation history, no-frill carrier
IndiGo will acquire 180 A-320s worth an estimated USD 15.6
billion from European plane manufacturer Airbus.
The premier airline, which would launch international
services later this year subject to government permission,
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus at Toulouse
in France Thursday for the 180 single-aisle aircraft.
Of these planes, 150 would belong to the eco-efficient
'neo' series, which are yet to be produced, and the remaining
30 are the standard A-320s.
They are expected to be delivered between 2016 and
2025. Engine selection for the aircraft would be announced by
the airline at a later date, an Airbus spokesperson said.
Though the value of the deal was not announced, but
according to Airbus catalogue price the sale is worth USD 15.6
billion or 12 billion euros.
"It is the largest single firm order for large jets in
commercial aviation history," she said, adding it also makes
IndiGo a launch customer for the A-320neo.
This is the second time that IndiGo has placed such a
massive aircraft order, after its first agreement with Airbus
in 2005 to buy 100 A-320s when the total order was worth USD
six billion. That order, the planes under which is currently
in the process of being delivered, too was one of the highest
by any domestic carrier at that time.
The A-320neos would incorporate more efficient engines
and large wing tip devices called Sharklets that would deliver
significant fuel savings of up to 15 per cent and reduce
emissions and engine noise, the spokesperson said.
"This order for fuel efficient aircraft will allow
IndiGo to continue to offer low fares," said Rahul Bhatia,
Group Managing Director of InterGlobe Enterprises that runs
IndiGo, and Rakesh Gangwal, its co-founder.
IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh said the additional
aircraft "will enable us to take our low fares and courteous,
hassle-free service to more customers and destinations and
will create more job opportunities and growth for several
other aviation related businesses".
The airline has already sought government's permission
for launching global operations from the middle of this year
when it completes five years of domestic service.
Ghosh had earlier said that the global operations
would be launched to several destinations in West Asia,
besides Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu and the Maldives.
IndiGo recently tipped Air India for the third
position in domestic market share, after Jet Airways and
Kingfisher Airlines respectively.