IndiGo firms up order for 150 A320neo and 30 A320s

India's largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo has firmed up its historic order for 180 airbus single aisle aircraft. The firming up of the order for 150 A320neo and 30 A320 follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier in January.

The order makes IndiGo one of the A320neo launch customers. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date. Today’s order for 180 aircraft is on top of a firm order for 100 A320s placed June 2005. Out of the 2005 order, 44 aircraft have already been delivered.

“Our order with Airbus will further establish IndiGo as a leading carrier in the Indian market, and one that continues to offer low fares and high service. Our existing order for 100 A320s and the order announced today will help meet India’s growing flying market, in the most cost efficient and environmentally responsible way possible,” said Aditya Ghosh, IndiGo’s President.

“This record order for our A320neo will enable IndiGo to achieve the maximum benefit from India’s projected strong passenger traffic growth over the coming years. Today’s agreement is clear endorsement of our A320neo and we thank Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia for their confidence and commitment to Airbus,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. 

Over 7,000 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,700 delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload.

The A320neo, available from 2015, incorporates new more efficient engines and large wing tip devices called “Sharklets” delivering significant fuel savings of 15 percent, which is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel per aircraft per year, or the consumption of 1,000 mid sized cars. This saves 3,600 tonnes of CO₂ annually per aircraft. In addition, the A320neo provides a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.

Source from Airbus