Airlines

IndiGo Close To Make Historic 500 Airbus A320 Aircraft Order

IndiGo's Expansion Plan: Launching 7 New International Destinations

A possible record contract to sell 500 of the A320 family’s narrow-body aircraft to low-cost carrier IndiGo is being approached by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. Airbus has become the front-runner for this order following Air India’s record preliminary purchase of 470 Airbus aircraft in February of this year, according to Reuters, which cited industry sources speaking on the sidelines of an industry.

According to aviation experts, the transaction might potentially be worth more than $50 billion at the most recent Airbus list pricing, but after accounting for concessions offered by the airline industry for bulk purchases, it would only be worth around half that much. One of Airbus’ biggest clients, IndiGo has placed orders for 830 Airbus A320-family aircraft, of which over 500 are currently awaiting delivery.

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According to the report, “Airbus and Boeing are also competing in separate talks to sell 25 A330neo or Boeing 787 wide-body jets to the same airline.” In India, IndiGo holds a 56% market share.

IndiGo Chief Executive Pieter Elbers had previously stated to analysts during an earnings call last month that IndiGo intends to increase its capacity by the end of the decade and extend its network, particularly in overseas markets.

As airlines secure supplies far in advance due to impending shortages, Airbus and Boeing have been racking up new contracts worth billions of dollars that extend through 2030.

Airlines

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

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The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.