Norse has confirmed that it will lease at least one of its aircraft to budget Indian airline IndiGo, which is understood to be planning to launch flights to Europe, including London.
It’s been reported by The Economic Times of India that the budget airline has begun recruiting for an airport manager and chief security officers at London’s Heathrow, Paris and Amsterdam for this summer season.
IndiGo is India’s largest passenger airline, operating 88 domestic and 34 international routes.
Norse Atlantic said it has signed a firm agreement to lease one of its Boeing 787s, with crew, to IndiGo saying: “Currently IndiGo operates primarily domestic and regional short- to medium-haul services out of India but is in the process of expanding its global reach by adding long haul services.
“To support its long-haul expansion IndiGo has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus 350-900 wide body aircraft with an option for additional 70 aircraft, with deliveries expected to commence from 2027.”
Norse said its wet-leased aircraft was due to start operations for IndiGo in March 2025, on long-haul routes out of India.
IndiGo has leased the 787 Dreamliner for an initial term of six months, but Norse said this was extendable up to 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals.
It is possible Norse will wet lease further aircraft to IndiGo, which had initally been discussing the possibliy of taking six of its Dreamliners, two from this month and a further four from September.
In its latest announcement this morning, Norse said it was continuing to explore opportunities with IndiGo, with the possibility of contracting additional aircraft and increasing their collaboration.
