NEW DELHI, India — – The rapidly expanding IndiGo, recognized as India’s largest airline, is poised to launch its inaugural codeshare agreements in the United States.
The airline has formed partnerships with major carriers Delta and KLM for codeshares covering routes from Amsterdam to the U.S. and Canada, and with Virgin Atlantic for U.S.-bound flights from Manchester, England. Although these initial partnerships are limited in scope, they signal a promising move towards deeper collaboration with the transatlantic joint venture that includes Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France-KLM. This collaboration was unveiled during a press conference led by IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, alongside the CEOs of the partnering airlines, at IATA’s Annual General Meeting.
IndiGo’s Growing International Presence
IndiGo has already established codeshare agreements with Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic on over 30 domestic routes across India. In addition to its new transatlantic partnerships, IndiGo will commence codesharing with KLM on flights originating from Amsterdam to 30 destinations throughout Europe.
Future Collaborations and U.S. Routes
Delta CEO Ed Bastian indicated that while there are no current plans for a more profound partnership with IndiGo, he acknowledged the possibility of a joint venture in the future. “You could envision a world when that takes place,” he remarked. Bastian also mentioned Delta’s intention to resume services to India within the next few years, following interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
IndiGo’s Future U.S. Service Plans
Looking ahead, IndiGo is eyeing a direct India-U.S. service, but this will only materialize after the airline begins to receive its own widebody aircraft, expected in 2027. The first codeshares will coincide with IndiGo’s launch of new routes: service from Mumbai to Manchester set to begin on July 1 and the Mumbai-Amsterdam route launching the next day. These routes will mark IndiGo’s entry into long-haul operations, which will also see the airline adding eight more international destinations in the upcoming year, including London, Copenhagen, and Athens.
The specific dates for the codeshare implementations will hinge on regulatory approvals.
Fleet Expansion and New Routes
Currently, IndiGo’s long-haul flights will be operated using leased Boeing 787 aircraft. In a significant development, the airline anticipates the delivery of its first 30 Airbus A350s by 2027, converting 30 of its previously secured options into firm orders. This shift represents a critical step in IndiGo’s ambition to evolve from its origins as a budget domestic operator to a key player in the global aviation market.
At present, IndiGo connects 41 international destinations alongside an extensive domestic network serving 91 cities. The airline is also planning to add 10 more international destinations within a year.
Current Operations and Market Potential
This month, Delta operates flights to eight U.S. destinations from Amsterdam, while KLM services 14 U.S. destinations and five in Canada. Virgin Atlantic, for its part, is offering flights to four U.S. cities from Amsterdam.
While specific details regarding the routes eligible for codeshare are yet to be finalized, the potential for expansion is evident. IndiGo operates a fleet of over 400 aircraft and boasts what CEO Elbers described as the “world’s largest order book.” This includes a record-breaking 500-plane Airbus narrowbody order placed in 2023.
Enhancing Travel Between the U.S. and India
Bastian highlighted the excitement surrounding IndiGo’s rapid developments, asserting, “I don’t think there’s a more exciting airline in the world in terms of what they’re doing.” Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss emphasized the market potential, noting that approximately 7 million passengers flew between the U.S. and India last year, with significant opportunities for growth in the future.
