That’s the story of India’s world-class airline. From 2006, when the airline had one aircraft that flew four flights a day to today with 150 planes making 1000 flights a day, IndiGo’s journey has been one of focus and commitment, writes SHAKTI LUMBA, one of the insiders who has witnessed aviation history in the making.
My journey started with IndiGo in September 2005 when I joined the start-up team as Chief of Operations. The popular buzz at that time was IndiGo’s epochal order of one hundred A320 aircraft, made at the Paris Air Show that year. The skeptics and media had deemed this a publicity stunt as this order was almost equal to the quantity of operational commercial aircraft that were flying at the time. It was the largest single aircraft order after the 9/11 aviation slump.
Following such an investment, many asked, “But where will they park them? Where will they operate to? Surely the aircraft must really be for the leasing business.” As a mark of such international success, IndiGo went on to order 450 more A320s and 50 ATRs as an established Airline and no eyebrows were raised. IndiGo’s extreme efficiency allowed for low-cost airfares and accelerated consumer demand. Success is a wonderful thing.
From September ’05 till July ’06, the foundation was laid for the great and profitable airline that IndiGo is today. The journey from August 4, ’06 where we had one aircraft making four flights a day to carry approximately 500, to today where IndiGo boasts an impressive army of 150 aircraft making 1000 flights per day averaging a load factor of +90 percent and about 162,000 passengers a day domestically is one that speaks of commitment. The carrier just crossed the 2-million passenger carriage mark. They have been profitable for the last years straight. Indeed, its growth has been mind boggling, as its profits. Everyone had deemed these impossible in an industry where making losses had been the norm due to wafer-thin margins.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
POWERING UP
Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.
