IndiGo to receive A321 XLR aircraft by FY2026

IndiGo will receive its new A321 XLR aircraft starting in the financial year 2026. This information comes from CEO Pieter Elbers. The airline has 69 A321 XLRs on order, part of a larger deal for 300 A320 neo family planes made in 2019. The A321 XLR is known for its long range. It was supposed to join IndiGo's fleet by 2024-2025, but delivery has been delayed due to certification issues with Airbus. IndiGo plans to launch non-stop flights to Europe in July, with routes to Manchester and Amsterdam. For now, they will use Boeing 787-9 planes leased from Norse Atlantic until they receive their own Airbus A350s by mid-2027. CEO Elbers mentioned possible new destinations such as Athens and Geneva. These flights will enhance IndiGo’s coverage in Europe. Additionally, the XLR planes will have 12 business class and 183 economy seats. Elbers also stated that IndiGo is adapting its business model to better meet customer needs, moving beyond a strictly low-cost carrier definition while still focusing on cost leadership.