IndiGo is exploring with the civil Aviation Ministry the possibility of an extension of the wet leasing of wide-body Boeings 777 planes, as the current lease period expires this week. IndiGo operates two Boeing 747-400 planes that are currently leased by Turkish Airlines for flights from Delhi to Istanbul.
These aircraft were leased to meet the increasing demand for international travel. IndiGo began operating its first widebody Boeing 777 aircraft in February 2023 on the Delhi-Istanbul routes, and began operating Boeing 777 aircraft in May 2023 on the Mumbai-Istanbul routes. Sources say that the airline hasn’t received an extension to continue with the wet leasing of the aircraft.
IndiGo’s spokesperson told PTI on Monday that, “we are working with the ministry to explore options to extend the wet-lease as our AOG (Aircraft On Ground ) related capacity limitations, while improving, remain.
IndiGo will continue to use the two Boeing 787 planes until November 14, for flights from Delhi or Mumbai to Istanbul. However, the airline will begin using A321 aircraft on November 15 for these flights. This information is available at Flightradar24.com.
The wet lease of an airplane by an Indian carrier includes the leasing of foreign aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance. The plane is also subject to the operational control of a foreign operator (lessor), and the regulatory requirements of a foreign civil aviation authority.
Sources say that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has refused the request of India’s largest airline, to wet-lease the aircraft for a prolonged period. They cited that this could be a diversion of rights of traffic in collusion a strong foreign carrier who will primarily feed its hub abroad with more Indian passengers, they said.
Indian carriers’ role is limited to the commercial aspects. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers announced the addition of a second Boeing 777 to its fleet by May 2023. The new aircraft would not only increase the capacity on the route, but also keep fares affordable.
The airline stated that the Boeing 777 aircraft can seat 400 passengers in dual-class configuration, with 24 business class seats and 376 economy seats. In the wake of Pratt & Whitney engine issues, the airline has grounded many aircraft, impacting its capacity.
IndiGo, India’s first airline with more than 400 aircrafts, announced last month that the number of aircrafts grounded has dropped to the mid-60s from the mid70s. By the end of the year, the number will be in the low-60s.
At the end September, the carrier’s fleet numbered 410 planes. IndiGo placed a firm 30-aircraft order in May of this year to expand its international network.
