IndiGo has taken a decisive step in its global expansion strategy by converting 30 of its purchase rights for Airbus A350-900 aircraft into firm orders, effectively doubling its wide-body order from 30 to 60 aircraft. The announcement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the IATA AGM in New Delhi in June 2025, building on the airline’s initial order of 30 A350-900s placed in April 2024, its first entry into the wide-body segment. IndiGo now holds firm orders for 60 A350-900s, with purchase rights remaining for 40 more.
Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, said “Today is a special day for IndiGo as we solidify our commitment to expanding our international footprint and offering unparalleled connectivity to our customers. The conversion of this MoU into a firm order for 30 additional A350-900s is a testament to our confidence in the future of Indian aviation and our strategic partnership with Airbus, further reinforced by the strong start of our long-haul operations. In line with India’s vision of becoming a global aviation hub and our aspiration to establish ourselves as a leading global aviation player by 2030, IndiGo is taking decisive steps forward. These aircraft, as they join our fleet in the years to come, will play a pivotal role in enabling IndiGo expand its reach, connect India with more destinations across the globe, and offer our customers new international travel opportunities.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus, “The A350’s unparalleled fuel efficiency, range and passenger comfort perfectly align with IndiGo’s ambitious growth plans and international long-haul network ambitions. This milestone reinforces our strong partnership with one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, and we look forward to supporting their expansion into new long-haul markets.”
As part of this major expansion, IndiGo has also signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce to power its A350 fleet with Trent XWB-84 engines, the most efficient large aero-engines in service today. The deal includes a comprehensive Rolls-Royce TotalCare Agreement for proactive maintenance, engine health monitoring, and optimized performance throughout the lifecycle of the fleet. The Trent XWB engines deliver 84,000 pounds of thrust, offering industry-leading fuel efficiency, reliability, and reduced emissions.
Pieter Elbers commented, “The partnership with Rolls Royce to power our wide-body fleet underscores our commitment to reliable, efficient and sustainable operations as we look to expand our long-haul operations with the highest standards of performance.”
IndiGo’s internationalisation strategy, ‘Towards new heights, across new frontiers,’ has already seen the launch of services to Manchester and Amsterdam, with Copenhagen, London, and Athens to follow soon using its damp-leased Boeing 787-9 and upcoming Airbus A321XLR fleet. The induction of Airbus A350s will enable the airline to open new long-haul routes, including to the Americas, further strengthening its global reach.
With a fleet of over 400 aircraft and close to 900 more on order, including A320NEO, A321NEO, and A321XLR, IndiGo is positioned to steadily grow its network and support India’s broader goal of strengthening its aviation sector.
