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IndiGo to expand XLR fleet to 14 aircraft by end of 2027
Budget carrier IndiGo plans to nearly triple its A321 XLR narrow-body fleet to 14 aircraft by December 2027, as it looks to strengthen its international operations. The airline currently operates four of the longer-range aircraft with one additional plane expected before year-end.
LSN India ·
IndiGo will bolster its long-haul capacity by adding extended-range A321 XLR aircraft to its fleet, CEO Willie Walsh announced Tuesday, signalling the airline's ambitions to connect more overseas destinations. With a total of 14 such aircraft projected by end-2027, the carrier aims to leverage the planes' extended range to tap new international markets while maintaining operational efficiency.
The airline's current fleet includes four A321 XLRs, with a fifth aircraft slated for delivery before December. Walsh reiterated that despite these international expansion plans, IndiGo will continue prioritising short-haul operations as a core strength. The carrier has scaled back wide-body operations following its decision to discontinue leased Boeing 787 services.
Looking further ahead, IndiGo expects to receive its first A350-900 aircraft from the second quarter of 2028. Walsh stressed that the airline is undertaking significant preparatory work to ensure smooth integration of the wide-body jets into operations. The CEO cautioned against allowing the excitement surrounding A350 inductions to divert focus from ongoing operational priorities, emphasising the need for careful execution during the transition period.