Aviation

IndiGo’s Plan to Lease 20 Aircraft for Enhanced Operations

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In response to the challenges posed by the grounding of several of its A320neo and A321neo aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues, IndiGo Airlines (6E) is undertaking a proactive approach to bolster its fleet by leasing up to 20 aircraft from April 2024 onwards.

According to a report from Money Control, IndiGo is actively engaged in negotiations with multiple leasing companies and carriers in a bid to secure additional aircraft before the onset of the summer schedule. The airline aims to dry-lease approximately 12 aircraft from the secondary market and wet-lease up to eight airframes to mitigate the impact of the grounded fleet.

In the final stages of negotiations, IndiGo is poised to finalize deals with leading carriers such as Qatar Airways and Ryanair. The proposed agreement with Qatar Airways involves the potential acquisition of five aircraft, while three additional airframes are expected to be leased from Ryanair. This strategic move reflects IndiGo’s commitment to swiftly address capacity constraints and maintain operational efficiency.

Notably, IndiGo has expanded its horizon beyond Airbus planes and is considering the inclusion of Boeing aircraft in its fleet. With the secondary market for Airbus planes experiencing a decline, the airline is exploring diverse avenues to optimize fleet composition and meet growing demand.

Gaurav Negi, Chief Financial Officer of IndiGo, emphasized the airline’s collaboration with Pratt & Whitney to alleviate spare engine availability issues. Despite the challenges, Negi expressed optimism regarding improvements in the coming quarters, underscoring IndiGo’s proactive approach to resolving operational hurdles.

IndiGo’s fleet expansion plans align with its ambitious growth targets, as outlined during the announcement of the company’s third-quarter results. To increase its fleet by 20% in the fiscal year 2024, surpassing initial estimates, IndiGo is poised to reinforce its position as a leading player in the Indian aviation market.

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Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.