IndiGo spreads wings abroad from August
13 Jun 2011
IndiGo, India's second-biggest airline by passengers carried, is gearing up to commence international operations in the first week of August. Reports suggest the budget carrier may operate five daily flights from Mumbai and Delhi each to connect Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, Kathmandu and Muscat.
Industry sources say an announcement may be made early next week.
As reported earlier, the airline has already received necessary clearances from the ministry of civil aviation. Government rules require five years of domestic experience and a 20-aircraft fleet before a domestic carrier can fly overseas.
Other Indian carriers operating international services are Air India, Jet Airways and JetLite, Kingfisher Airlines and SpiceJet.
In the domestic market, IndiGo has earned a reputation for low fares matched with consistent on-time performance. According to industry observers, a replication of its domestic performance in its international operations should see the airline fare well.
The airline has ordered 180 A320s for deliveries between 2016 and 2025. The carrier will take delivery of 14 aircraft this year.
IndiGo operates 39 A320s on 259 daily domestic flights, connecting 26 destinations.
The Gurgaon-based carrier is run by Rahul Bhatia owned InterGlobe General Aviation.
