IndiGo Navigates Challenges in Extending Wide-Body Fleet

IndiGo is engaged in discussions with the civil aviation ministry to extend the wet lease of Boeing 777 planes from Turkish Airlines. Currently operating these planes on routes to Istanbul, the lease expires this week. IndiGo plans to replace them with A321 aircraft if an extension isn't granted.

IndiGo, India's largest airline, is currently negotiating with the civil aviation ministry to prolong the lease of wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines. These planes, crucial for the airline's international operations, are on a wet lease that is set to expire shortly.

At present, IndiGo operates two of these Boeing 777s, serving routes from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul. This move was initially made to accommodate a surge in international travel demand. However, without an approved lease extension, IndiGo will need to transition to operating Airbus A321 aircraft from mid-November.

Wet leasing allows Indian carriers like IndiGo to lease foreign aircraft, complete with crew and maintenance. Under this arrangement, the foreign lessor retains operational control, while Indian regulators oversee only commercial aspects. Amid ongoing capacity challenges linked to grounded aircraft, IndiGo is adapting its fleet strategy to maintain service efficiency.

(With inputs from agencies.)