IndiGo and the A321 XLR
IndiGo is an Indian low cost carrier (LCC) than commenced operations in 2006. Its growth could be described as meteoric, building a fleet of nearly 400 aircraft in less than two decades. While nominally a LCC its growth is evolving IndiGo into a hybrid carrier.
In recent years it’s moved away typical LCC strategies by adding small turboprop aircraft (thereby moving away from a single fleet type), starting dedicated freighter services and rolling short haul business class. In its most ambitious move yet it has announced plans for a fully fledged long haul operation with an order for 30x A350-900 aircraft (deliveries from 2027).
Of more contemporary interest is their order for the A321 XLR, with 69 aircraft due for delivery from next year. There has been significant discussion and speculation where IndiGo will fly these aircraft.Some have hypothesised that IndiGo could fly to London and Amsterdam, as both these destinations are well within the 4700nm range that Airbus publicises in its marketing materials. By this reckoning, they could reach anywhere in Europe, nearly anywhere in Africa, and the western half of Australia.
As we noted in our most recent assessment of the XLR (see below), the 4700nm nominal range isn’t a useful benchmark as its actual range is sensitive to the configuration that the airline plans to use. Once adapted to their network strategy and operational model, the range envelop might be significantly smaller.
A321XLR (finally) enters into service
The first Airbus A321neo XLR finally entered into service with Iberia this month after a succession of delays. Initially scheduled for entry into service in 2023, it was delayed as regulators required design modifications to the Rear Center Tank (RCT). While the XLR has several subtle differences to other A321neo, the RCT is the key innovation that brin…
In practice we see Qantas equipping the XLR with 197 or 200 seats and planning to utilise it on domestic and short regional services. Meanwhile Iberia are flying their XLR will more passengers and shorter routes than SAS flies their A321neo LRs! So let’s have a look at how IndioGo might deploy the XLR!