Indigo to wet-lease wide body jets to cater to high demand

In an effort to fill capacity shortages caused by an increase in demand for travel, IndiGo plans to operate larger Boeing jets owned by another airline.

The largest airline in India announced in a statement on Monday that it is seeking to complete a contract for the induction of Boeing 777 aircraft for the winter schedule on a basis known as a “wet lease.” Wet leasing is the process of renting an aeroplane combined with the crew who will operate it and offer onboard services.

IndiGo made no mention of the airline or the number of 777 aircraft that will be utilised. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, IndiGo has been given permission by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation to wet lease six 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines for a period of three months with the option of an extension.

Following a decision by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, wet leasing of wide-body aircraft by Indian carriers is now permitted for up to one year, as opposed to the previous six months, depending on the foreign routes they intend to fly.

IndiGo’s representatives declined to comment. Requests for comment from a ministry of civil aviation spokeswoman were not immediately entertained.

To compete better on international routes with the likes of Emirates and Etihad Airways PJSC, which dominate international travel to and from the country through their hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, respectively, the Indian government is pressuring local carriers to increase their fleets of wide-body aircraft.

The majority of long-distance flights in India are solely flown by Air India Ltd. and Singapore Airlines Ltd.’s Indian partner, Vistara.

The development of aviation ties between India and Turkey has occasionally proven contentious. Ilker Ayci, the former chairman of Turkish Airlines, decided against becoming the CEO of Air India early this year after encountering political opposition because of Turkey’s tense relationship with India.

Pieter Elbers, the chief executive officer of IndiGo, has bemoaned the effect that supply chain disruptions on the production of aircraft have had, claiming that they are hindering the airline’s ability to utilise all of its available capacity. He stated on an earnings call earlier this month that IndiGo is considering extending some of its current leases and using wet leases to make up the difference.