IndiGo plans long haul flights to Amsterdam, Manchester

IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, discussed the airline's plans to enter the long haul flight market from India. He stated that with over 400 planes currently in their fleet and more than 900 planes on order, including wide-body aircraft, the airline is in a strong position for expansion. IndiGo plans to launch services to Amsterdam and Manchester later this year. Elbers noted that international air travel from India has mostly been dominated by non-Indian airlines. He believes IndiGo has a significant opportunity to tap into the long haul market, which includes flights longer than nine hours. The airline is set to acquire long-range A321 XLR planes this year and plans to take delivery of wide-body A350 aircraft by 2027. Speaking at the Skift India Forum, Elbers described the airline's large order book as a valuable asset. Elbers emphasized the importance of maintaining cost leadership in the competitive Indian market, which is known for being cost-sensitive and value-conscious. He stated that this focus on cost is crucial for IndiGo's growth and success.