IndiGo’s grounded aircraft to drop to mid-40s by April 2025

IndiGo, India’s leading airline in terms of market share, announced on October 25, 2024, that it aims to reduce its grounded aircraft (AOG) to the mid-40s by April 2025, from a high of 60 as of September. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers noted that AOGs had peaked in the mid-70s during the July-September quarter, primarily due to supply-chain issues and inspections following Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engine recalls. However, the situation has since improved.

The airline is optimistic as P&W commits to rectifying the defects in the PW1100G engines by April, allowing IndiGo to return 35 grounded aircraft to service. CFO Gaurav Negi mentioned that as these aircraft return to operation, IndiGo will scale back its damp-leased planes, reducing rising rental costs.

IndiGo's expansion includes new routes to Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia, expected to boost its international footprint. Elbers also highlighted improvements in pilot training facilities, preparations for winter fog disruptions, and an upcoming business class on the Delhi-Mumbai route in November.

With a fleet of 410 aircraft and growing, IndiGo is on target to meet its capacity guidance for 2024-25, planning to expand its fleet by mid-teens percentage year-over-year.