IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has taken steps to bolster its international operations by extending the wet lease of two Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines.
The initial lease agreement was set to expire in November 2024. However, the airline has seen increasing demand for international travel, particularly on routes between India and Istanbul. Accordingly, IndiGo has sought to extend the lease to continue serving these popular destinations.
The Indian carrier is now reported to be in discussions with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to explore the extension of the wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines.
Background of the Wet Lease Agreement
The two Boeing 777 aircraft are presently the only two wide-body aircraft in the low-cost carriers fleet. IndiGo began operating the first wet leased Boeing 777 on the Delhi-Istanbul route in February 2023.
This was followed shortly thereafter with a second wet leased aircraft which operated the Mumbai-Istanbul route in May 2023
The move towards wet leasing the Boeing 777s was primarily driven by two main factors.
Rapid Increase in International Demand
There was a surge in demand for international flights from India, particularly on routes to popular destinations like Istanbul. IndiGo, being a primarily domestic airline, didn’t have the necessary wide-body aircraft to meet this increased demand. Wet leasing the 777s was a quick and efficient solution to accommodate this surge.
Engine Issues with Airbus Fleet
Simultaneously, IndiGo was facing Pratt and Whitney engine issues impacting its Airbus fleet, which limited its operational capacity. The 777s provided additional capacity to offset the impact of these issues and ensure continuous smooth operations.
The airlines capacity constraints affected by aircraft on ground (AOG) issues are still not fully resolved in present day.
Addressing Capacity Constraints
The extension of the Boeing 777 wet lease comes at a time when IndiGo is facing capacity constraints due to engine issues with its Airbus fleet.
These issues have led to flight cancellations and delays, impacting the airline’s operations. The additional capacity provided by the 777s has been crucial in mitigating these challenges.
IndiGo’s decision to extend the wet lease of the Boeing 777s is a strategic move that aligns with its long-term growth plans.
By expanding its international network and offering more non-stop flights, the airline aims to attract a larger customer base and strengthen its position in the global aviation market.
The Future of IndiGo’s International Operations
As it currently stands, IndiGo is set to relinquish the wet lease agreements with Turkish Airlines as of 14 November 2024. Unless the situation changes, the airline plans to substitute its Airbus A321 aircraft on Istanbul routes from Delhi and Mumbai.
While the Boeing 777s have been a valuable asset for IndiGo, the airline is also investing in its own fleet of wide-body aircraft. IndiGo previously placed a firm order for 30 wide-body Airbus A350-900 aircraft in May 2024.
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