IndiGo celebrates the delivery of its first A320neo

Reinforcing its commitment to the Indian aviation industry, India’s largest airline by market share, IndiGo has taken delivery of its first A320neo. The airline’s first brand new A320neo was received with a watercannon salute at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), recently. Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s fuel-efficient geared turbofan engines, the new A320neos “new engine option” incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15 per cent in fuel savings from day one and 20 per cent by 2020. This is equivalent to a reduction of 5,000 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo provides a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.

Speaking on the occasion, Aditya Ghosh, President and Whole-time Director said, “The delivery of the first brand new A320neo reaffirms IndiGo’s commitment to the long-term future of aviation in India. This marks the beginning of the next phase of our growth and will enable us to make air transportation far more accessible for the people of India. Our environmentally friendly fleet of the A320neo will set a benchmark by significantly reducing the impact on the environment and lead the way to a more sustainable mode of flying”.

Ghosh further added, “This is a proud moment for us. The fact this delivery makes IndiGo the first A320neo operator in India and in Asia, makes this moment even more special. On behalf of the entire team at IndiGo, we thank our travel partners, members of the aviation fraternity and passengers who have been a part of this extraordinaire journey”.

IndiGo is one of Airbus’ biggest A320 family customers having ordered 530 aircraft in total. These include 430 A320neo from orders placed in 2015 (250 A320neo) and 2011 (180 A320neo). IndiGo also placed an order in 2005 for 100 A320s which have all been delivered.

“It fills us with pride that IndiGo, India’s largest airline and the biggest customer for our A320neo, has taken delivery of its first aircraft. On top of best in class operational efficiencies and environmental benefits, the A320neo will offer IndiGo’s passengers unmatched comfort,” said Dr Kiran Rao, Airbus EVP Strategy and Marketing.

The A320 family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with over 12,450 orders to date and almost 6,900 aircraft delivered to 300 customers and operators worldwide. Thanks to its widest cabin, all members of the A320 family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.