VIENNA—Qatar Airways is supporting IndiGo with Boeing 737-8 capacity as the Indian ULCC grounded more than 70 Airbus A320neo family aircraft related to the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engine problems.
Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer told Aviation Week that all of the 737-8s will be leased to IndiGo, and they will operate between India and Qatar Airways’ hub at Doha Hamad International Airport.
“We want IndiGo to fly to Doha from Indian destinations because we have a very strong relationship with them,” Al-Meer said.
“Subject to regulatory approvals, we will induct six more aircraft from Qatar Airways for the Doha route on wet or damp lease in the coming quarters,” an IndiGo spokesperson said.
Qatar Airways operates nine 737-8s. One 737-8 has already been leased to IndiGo since Aug. 1. A second aircraft began operations on Aug. 4.
The IndiGo spokesperson said the airline’s current count of grounded A320neo family aircraft remains in the mid-70s, related to the Pratt GTF engine problems.
On its fiscal 2025 first quarter financial results call July 26, IndiGo said it is working with Pratt toward a constant supply of spare engines and based on current estimates, expects the groundings to start reducing toward the start of 2025.
Business Class Launch
IndiGo has also announced that it has selected Recaro R5 seats for its upcoming A321neo business class cabin. Recaro R2 seats will be used in economy class.
“IndiGoStretch” is the first business class product for IndiGo’s narrowbody fleet.
“IndiGo is embarking on an additional new path of its incredible growth story by introducing in 2024 a tailor-made business product on the nation’s busiest business routes,” IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said in an Aug. 5 statement.
Forty-five shipsets have been ordered for the A321neo upgrade which will feature 12 business class seats and 208 economy class seats.
Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, and all business class installations are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
“Tailored to enhance the traveler experience in IndiGo’s new business class cabin, the R5 embodies excellence in ergonomic design while touting sustainability principles,” Recaro CEO Mark Hiller said.
IndiGo said the R5 seats will offer “advanced comfort and robust functionality,” featuring a 38-in. pitch and a customized, ergonomic, lightweight design.
IndiGo operates a fleet of 350 aircraft on over 2,000 daily flights, connecting 88 domestic and 33 international destinations.
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