IT WAS LITERALLY India's moment at the Le Bourget airport, the site of the famed Paris Air Show. Of more than 1,000 aircraft ordered at the event, 970 were bought by Indian carriers IndiGo and Air India. Coming within five months of the national flag carrier Air India announcing its order for 470 aircraft (the purchase agreement for which was signed at the same air show), IndiGo also finalised an order for 500 aircraft from the Airbus 320neo family. As a result, the Gurugram-based low-cost carrier (LCC) not only surpassed the Air India order, but also established a new record for the single largest purchase agreement in commercial aviation. Reacting to the announcement, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, "This contract is a major win for our aerospace sector. Airbus's deal with IndiGo will be worth billions to the UK and support thousands of jobs across the country-helping to grow the economy."
The new deal takes the total number of Airbus aircraft on order by IndiGo to 1,330 in the past 12 years. According to experts, the delivery of the new 500 aircraft, however, will start only after 2026. In an oblique reference to the carrier's future growth strategy, CEO Pieter Elbers said, "The additional 500 [aircraft]... will help IndiGo move forward, to make sure that we live up to our promise and continue to build our unparalleled network, both domestic (India) and international."
Not to be left behind, the country's newest scheduled carrier, Akasa Air, also ordered four additional Boeing 737-8 MAX jets to support its international foray.
GLOBAL AMBITIONS
This story is from the July 23, 2023 edition of Business Today India.
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 July 23, 2023 edition of Business Today India.
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
Pension Scheme - Safety Net
The move to introduce the UPS has evoked mixed reactions. Analysts believe its funding will have limited impact on the fiscal math
The Reit Choice?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) Are Gaining Traction As Interest Rates Stabilise. But Returns Could Be Affected By Adverse Economic Conditions And Market Volatility
CORPORATE - Calling to Account
The sudden exit of Byju's auditor BDO marks the latest in a long series of setbacks for the edtech firm
EMPLOYMENT: Skills Push
The skill development ministry plans to partner with the UGC to improve the employability of undergraduates
Building on a Vision
L&T'S CHAIRMAN EMERITUS A. M. NAIK HAS BUILT A MAMMOTH ENTERPRISE THAT IS BUILDING A NEW INDIA, FROM ITS METRO RAIL SYSTEMS TO THE RAM TEMPLE
"KYS more important than KYC"
Vijay Kedia is a renowned equity investor; the value of his listed portfolio stands at around ₹1,750 crore
ROXX STAR
THE THAR ROXX COMBINES LUXURY WITH PERFORMANCE TO MAKE A STRONG STATEMENT IN THE MID-SIZE SUV SEGMENT
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Smartwatches have become indispensable tools for runners, offering real-time insights into pace, distance, heart rate, and more. Here are a few you can consider
TURNING THE TABLES
INDIA'S FURNITURE MARKET IS POISED FOR A GLOBAL TAKE-OFF. ALREADY, A HOST OF GLOBAL BRANDS HAVE MADE THE COUNTRY THEIR HOME, BUT INDIAN COMPANIES ARE NOT TOO FAR BEHIND
THE EVOLUTION OF ATHERA
IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVANCE HAS STOOD THIS BENGALURU-BASED VC FUND IN GOOD STEAD. NOW, WITH A HEIGHTENED FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY, IT WANTS TO SUSTAIN THE SUCCESS