Low-fare, long haul operator Norse Atlantic Airways has announced a wet lease agreement with the Indian low-fare carrier, IndiGo, for one of its Boeing 787 aircraft.
The news follows Norse’s disclosure in November of a letter of intent for wet lease or Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreements covering six aircraft with an unnamed “reputable international airline.”
The Scandanavian carrier and IndiGo will now “continue exploring opportunities to contract additional aircraft and increase their collaboration further” according to a released statement.
The first aircraft will begin operations with IndiGo next month, operating long-haul routes from India. The initial lease term is six months, with the possibility of extension up to 18 months, contingent upon regulatory approvals. Norse Atlantic confirmed that both airlines are committed to exploring further extensions beyond the initial term, also subject to regulatory approvals.
“This contract represents an important milestone for Norse as we partner with one of the largest and most reputable airlines in the world,” said Bjorn Tore Larsen, Chief Executive of Norse Atlantic. “We look forward to supporting IndiGo’s long-haul services and delivering an exceptional travel experience to their customers.”
IndiGo currently operates a fleet of over 600 aircraft, consisting ovewhelmingly of Airbus A320s, with a small number of Boeing 737 NGs and Max 8s along with 50 ATR 72s.
IndiGo’s current operations focus on domestic and regional short-to-medium-haul flights within India. However, the airline is expanding its global footprint with the addition of long-haul services and has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900s, with an option for 70 more.
Since deliveries are not scheduled to begin until 2027, the ACMI deal with Norse is likely to be a stopgap measure, allowing IndiGo to expand its long-haul operations without having to invest in crew training and maintenance infrastructure for Boeing aircraft.
Last year Norse announced its intention to allocate capacity in its 787 fleet to seasonal and ad hoc charter contracts.
PHOTO: AMETEK MRO
A Boeing 787-9 in Norse Atlantic Airways livery
