IndiGo to buy 180 Airbus aircrafts
By IANSWednesday, January 12, 2011
NEW DELHI - Leading low cost carrier (LCC) IndiGo Wednesday signed a deal with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus for buying 180 A320 aircrafts.
“IndiGo has signed a memorandum of understanding for 180 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircrafts of which 150 will be the neo option and 30 will be standard A320s,” a company statement said.
The company would be one of the first carriers in the world to operate the eco-friendly and cost efficient version of A320 known as ‘neo’.
According to the company, the order confirmed the fact that the Indian aviation scenario has grown by leaps and bounds over the years.
The company feels that the order of the newer version of the jet aircraft would translate into cost savings and better operating margins.
“This order for leading fuel efficient aircraft will allow IndiGo to continue to offer low fares,” said Rahul Bhatia, group managing director of InterGlobe Enterprises.
Bhatia further said that the decision to purchase A320s was based on the opportunities to reduce costs and improve environmental performance.
The aircrafts are expected to be delivered between 2016 and 2025, while the selection of the engine type would be decided later by the airline.
The airline’s new aircraft A320neo will feature more efficient engines and a large wing tip devices called sharklets, delivering significant fuel savings of up to 15 percent.
