Low-fare airline IndiGo is reportedly in talks with three leading aircraft manufacturers, ATR, Embraer and Airbus, to place an order for up to 100 regional aircraft.
This follows IndiGo’s recent order for 30 A350-900s as it plans to widen its network. According to India’s Economic Times, sources close to the matter said that ATR seems to be at the front of these discussions. It is expected to stick with this type, to benefit from economies of scale as the airline expands. However, the A220 and E175 are also being assessed as potential candidates.
Photo: ATR
IndiGo already operates 45 ATR 72-600 aircraft and is expecting the delivery of five more this year. ATR expects the Indian sector to become its largest market in the next five to 10 years as travel demand rises in the country, accelerated by its government-led UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
“People are seeking greater convenience and faster modes of transportation,” said Jean-Pierre Clercin, ATR’s Asia-Pacific commercial head, during a press briefing in February. “While other modes of transportation are expanding, they are not keeping pace with the growing demand. Consequently, regional aviation is poised to play a significant role.”
Alongside the ATRs, IndiGo’s fleet currently consists of Airbus A320 and A321s, as well as two Boeing 777s on short-term lease from codeshare partner Turkish Airlines.
