IndiGo has placed an order for 300 Airbus A320 neo-family jets worth at least $33 billion (£26 billion), handing the European plane maker what could be its biggest ever order from a single carrier.
The mammoth deal includes Airbus’s newest jet, a long-range version of the single-aisle A320neo family called the A321XLR, the country’s biggest airline said in a statement on Tuesday.
This will take IndiGo’s total A320neo family aircraft orders to 730 making it the world’s biggest customer for these planes.
“This order is an important milestone, as it reiterates ourmission of strengthening air connectivity in India,” said Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo.
The deal follows a fierce contest between Airbus and Boeing,which is seeking a new endorsement for its competing 737 MAX, grounded following two fatal accidents. Airbus’ A320neo family competes directly with the 737 MAX and the European planemaker has a strong grip on the Indian market.
It also came days after IndiGo’s biggest quarterly loss, with the company hurt by issues surrounding engines from a former supplier on A320 neo-family jets already in the airline’s fleet.
The choice of engine manufacturer for this order will be made at a later date, said Riyaz Peermohamed, IndiGo’s chief aircraft acquisition and financing officer.
