CDB Aviation Delivers First of Nine Airbus A321neos to Indian Carrier IndiGo

CDB Aviation, a wholly-owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited (“CDB Leasing”), announced today the delivery of the first of a fleet of nine Airbus A321neo aircraft to India’s leading airline, IndiGo, as part of a purchase and leaseback transaction. The aircraft also marks Airbus’ 1,000th A320neo family aircraft delivery, signifying a historic milestone for its best-selling single-aisle fleet.

“We are very pleased to be part of this important delivery, providing support to our partners at IndiGo in advancing their strategic position in the fastest-growing aviation market,” said Sign Kadouh, CDB Aviation Head of Commercial, Asia Pacific. “The versatility of the A321neos will provide the right capacity for IndiGo’s growing fleet, delivering superior performance and economics. We look forward to deepening our relationship and supporting the IndiGo management’s vision to be India’s leading airline.”

Turkish Airlines and India’s IndiGo announce a Codeshare Agreement.

Turkish Airlines and India’s IndiGo

announce a Codeshare Agreement

Turkish Airlines and IndiGo to leverage their respective networks to maximize travel opportunities for the travelling public. 

A member of Star Alliance, Istanbul-based Turkish Airlines, and India’s largest domestic carrier, IndiGo announced recently a codeshare and mutual cooperation agreement. The signed codeshare and mutual cooperation agreement between the two carriers, the effectiveness of which is subject to receipt by Turkish Airlines and IndiGo of all necessary Board and regulatory approvals, will enable both carriers to provide more flexibility of choice to their respective customers to fly on sectors between India, Istanbul and beyond.

This is the first codeshare agreement for IndiGo as part of its international expansion strategy. Through this cooperation, Turkish Airlines will be offering new destinations in India as Marketing Carrier on IndiGo operated flights, while IndiGo customers will be able to reach many European destinations through Turkish Airlines’ extensive network. This reciprocal arrangement will allow TK and 6E to provide seamless connections to their customers, besides enabling them to use through check-in and many other facilities. IndiGo will place its code “6E”on 20 points beyond Istanbul operated by Turkish Airlines. Similarly, Turkish Airlines will use its code “TK” on IndiGo operated flights within India. 

IndiGo changing Airbus order for larger craft

One of India's leading airlines IndiGo and currently the country's India’s largest domestic operator has made a major switch in a recent Airbus order according to reports from news agency Reuters.

The Indian aviation industry is undergoing a period of severe turbulence at the moment with both Air India and Jet Airways experiencing heavy financial difficulties. Therefore it might seem rather surprising that IndiGo, has apparently, switched an order for 125 of the new engine offering of the Airbus A320 jet to the larger A321neo aircraft that also have a greater range. 

The airline plans to increase capacity on its route network by around 30% before the end of this financial year and it may expand its route network to take advantage of the consolidation from rivals Jet and Air India. 

British Airways and easyJet perform well against global competition - OAG Punctuality League 2018

Six European airlines, including two from the UK - British Airways and easyJet are all featured in the top 20 for annual on-time performance (OTP) of the world’s largest airlines, according to the results of the OAG Punctuality League 2018

The OAG punctuality league tables are the aviation industry’s most comprehensive annual ranking of On-Time Performance for the world’s airlines and airports. They are compiled from analysis of around 57 million flight records 

The report from OAG, the global leader in flight information, ranks the two UK-based airlines at 10th and 15th respectively amongst the world’s largest carriers: BA with 79 percent and easyJet with 75 percent of flights both departing and arriving on time. The 2018 report also places easyJet in the top 20 low-cost carriers (LCCs) for punctuality, while Europe-based airBaltic took the top spot as the most punctual airline in the world, with over 90 percent OTP.

John Grant, Senior Analyst at OAG, said: “BA and easyJet are certainly holding their own amongst their global counterparts. In a highly competitive environment, it’s great to see the UK-based airlines reporting an impressive OTP.”

There is more on this story -  Birmingham Airport once again takes a top spot for on-time performance and London Heathrow shows strong on-time performance in new ‘Mega’ airport category

First ATR72-600 for IndiGo

 IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, happily took delivery last week of its very first ATR 72-600.  It seems like only a few months ago the carrier and ATR announced the deal for 50 ATR 72-600s. The delivery last week represents a major step in the airline’s ambitious plan to further develop its fleet with the introduction of fuel-efficient and cost-effective ATR 72-600s, thus expanding its regional fleet network and bringing air connectivity to smaller less well served Indian airports and communities.

   

The introduction of the new ATR fleet goes in line with the Indian government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, which aims to boost economic development, employment and tourism by connecting small and remote cities. Under this scheme, 100 new airports are expected to be created in the next three years.

The ATR 72-600 is the most popular regional aircraft in its category. Its unbeatable economics and operational versatility at small airfields make it the perfect tool to support IndiGo’s plans to build its regional network in India. The ATR 72-600s feature seat and trip costs that are respectively 10% and 20% lower than those of other in-production turboprops. They also feature the most modern cabin interiors, specifically designed for ATR by the Italian firm Giugiaro, with thinner seats, larger overhead bins and LED lighting for an optimal passenger experience. With its new ATR 72-600s IndiGo will be able to offer their passengers affordable fares, while opening new routes throughout the country, thus contributing to developing local economies and strengthening social links.