‍NEW DELHI — IndiGo (6E), India’s largest airline by fleet and market share, has placed a firm order for 30 additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, strengthening its commitment to long-haul international operations. The deal follows an earlier order for 30 A350s placed in April 2024, effectively doubling the airline’s total wide-body backlog to 60 aircraft.

The agreement converts a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year into a confirmed purchase. With this, IndiGo becomes one of the largest future A350 operators in Asia, positioning itself for an international expansion that goes far beyond its familiar regional routes.

A Clear Shift Beyond Domestic

For nearly two decades, IndiGo built its success on the strength of short-haul and domestic efficiency. Its fleet of over 370 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft has made it one of the world’s largest single-aisle operators. But this latest order shows that the airline is no longer content being only a regional carrier.

The A350-900, with its long range and efficiency, gives IndiGo the capability to fly nonstop to Europe, Australia, and even North America, all key future markets as India’s outbound travel demand continues to rise. According to Airbus, the aircraft’s advanced aerodynamics and next-generation engines allow a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation wide-bodies.

Words from the Top

Speaking about the deal, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said that finalizing this additional order is “a strong confirmation of our belief in India’s aviation potential.” He described that “converting the MoU into a firm order reflects confidence in the future of Indian aviation and strengthens its long-haul strategy.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft, called the announcement “a testament to IndiGo’s confidence in the A350 platform.” He highlighted how the aircraft’s efficiency and comfort make it a perfect fit for the airline’s upcoming long-haul phase.

Backstory

IndiGo first made headlines in April 2024 when it placed its initial order of 30 A350-900s, marking its first step into the wide-body market. Those aircraft are due for delivery beginning mid-2027, intended to launch the carrier’s first direct long-haul routes.

The airline’s history with Airbus goes back to its founding in 2006, when it placed a record order for 100 A320s even before operating its first flight. It continued its massive single-aisle expansion with a 250-aircraft order in 2015 and a 500-aircraft deal in 2023, which remains the largest single aircraft order in aviation history.

Now, with the A350 program, 6E is clearly preparing for a new phase. The combination of A321XLRs and A350-900s will give it both medium and long-range flexibility to reach new destinations across continents.

The Bigger Picture for India’s Aviation

India’s aviation market is growing faster than almost any other in the world. In 2024 alone, more than 160 million domestic passengers were recorded, while international traffic rose sharply as more Indians began traveling abroad for business and leisure.

This latest order ties in well with the government’s “Vision 2047” plan that aims to position India as a major global aviation hub. With the A350s, 6E can finally take on the long-haul game — going head-to-head with the big Middle Eastern players that have long owned the India–Europe and India–US corridors.

For Airbus, India has turned into a key pillar in its global strategy. The planemaker has been steadily pumping investments into the country’s aviation ecosystem, from local suppliers to training centers and pilot development programs, many of which play straight into IndiGo’s long-term growth story.

Aircraft Details & Sustainability Goals

The Airbus A350-900 features a typical two-class layout seating between 300 and 350 passengers. It’s equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines—among the world’s most efficient large turbofans—and has a range of around 8,000 nautical miles.

The aircraft is also fully certified to operate on up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today, with ongoing efforts toward 100% SAF capability by 2030. IndiGo, like other global carriers, has pledged to gradually increase its SAF usage over the coming decade.

While the airline hasn’t yet disclosed its cabin configuration or branding strategy for the A350 fleet, industry speculation points toward a full-service long-haul division under the IndiGo umbrella — possibly with premium seating layouts unlike its all-economy narrow-body jets.

Looking Ahead

The first of IndiGo’s A350-900s is expected to enter service in 2027, marking the airline’s official step into the wide-body space. 

While Airbus will deliver the remaining aircraft gradually over the coming years, 6E hasn’t yet announced its first long-haul destinations. Many in the industry expect them to start by exploring routes into Europe and East Asia, with further expansion to North America possible as the fleet and infrastructure mature.

Stay tuned to Airways and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates.