Summary
- IndiGo has become the first Indian airline to exceed 2,000 scheduled flights per day.
- The airline’s operational achievement includes passenger operations, cargo, and military charters, and it ranks among the top ten airlines globally in terms of frequency and seat capacity.
- IndiGo’s continued growth is fueled by its expansion of international routes, commanding over 60% of India’s domestic market, and recording a net profit of $23 million for the second quarter.
India’s low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has now surpassed 2,000 scheduled flights per day. This marks a historic milestone as the country’s first airline to achieve this number. The news came shortly after the airline reported a net profit for the second quarter.
According to the airline, the 2,000 scheduled flights encompassed passenger operations, cargo, and India’s military charters. Additionally, the latest OAG Data for October 2023 revealed that IndiGo is among the top ten airlines globally in both frequency and seat capacity.
Photo:Â stockphoto mania | Shutterstock
For comparison, Air India’s low-cost arm, Air India Express, operates 300 daily flights, while budget airline SpiceJet operates 250 scheduled flights per day. New entrant Akasa Air conducts approximately 110 flights daily. Commenting on this operational achievement, IndiGo’s chief executive officer, Pieter Elbers, said:
“This milestone is more than a numerical feat; it’s a strategic leap positioning us for enhanced connectivity and a redefined passenger experience. Our commitment to giving wings to the nation is palpable in our mission to connect people and aspirations across India.”
Continued growth
The low-cost airline has been enjoying continued growth as the industry continues to make the post-pandemic recovery. IndiGo has been on a growth trajectory as it added 20 international routes to its network in the last six months. The airline, which commands more than 60% of India’s domestic market, now serves 85 domestic destinations and 32 international destinations.
While its fleet type limits its international reach to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, it has become one of the top airlines for passengers traveling to medium-haul international destinations from India.
The carrier recorded a healthy net profit of $23 million for the quarter ending September 2023. This reflects a significant turnaround compared to the net loss of $190 million posted during the same period last year.
On the back of fleet expansion
Naturally, operational achievements and expansion like this are only possible because IndiGo has steadily increased its fleet capacity and placed massive aircraft orders over the years. The budget airline currently has a total of 345 aircraft in its fleet, as per data from ch-aviation.
Photo:Â BoeingMan777 | Shutterstock
The airline is recognized as a major Airbus customer, boasting a fleet that includes 204 Airbus A320s, 97 Airbus A321s, 42 ATR 72 turboprops, and two Boeing 777-300ER widebodies under wet lease. In addition, the Indian carrier has a substantial order book, with over 960 aircraft on order. This was bolstered by a significant order of 500 Airbus A320 family aircraft this year.
What are your thoughts on the airline’s milestone? Have you flown with this airline before? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.
Sources: ch-aviation