IndiGo to lease Boeing 787-9 from Norse Atlantic for long-haul expansion

This story has been updated.  Budget-carrier IndiGo has signed a lease agreement with Norway-based Norse Atlantic Airways for a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the Norwegian airlines said in a press release on Thursday. The aircraft is expected to begin operations in March 2025, marking a key step in IndiGo’s efforts to expand its long-haul international services. 

 

“This contract represents an important milestone for Norse as we partner with one of the largest and most reputable airlines in the world. We look forward to support IndiGo’s long haul services, and to deliver an exceptional travel experience to their customers” said Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO and founder of Norse Atlantic Airways.

 

 

Under the agreement, Norse Atlantic will provide the aircraft, pilots, and maintenance services, while IndiGo will deploy its own cabin crew. The initial lease term is for six months, with the possibility of an extension up to 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals. Both airlines are also exploring further collaboration, potentially involving additional aircraft.

 

Norse Atlantic Airways has said it signed a wet lease agreement with IndiGo. However, a report by Reuters claimed that the agreement was for a damp lease.

 

 

Damp vs wet lease agreements

A wet lease is an arrangement in which one airline (the lessor) provides an aircraft along with its crew, maintenance, and insurance to another airline (the lessee).

 

A damp lease falls between a wet lease and a dry lease. In a damp lease, the lessor supplies the aircraft, maintenance, insurance, and some crew members, while the lessee provides the remaining crew. In contrast, a dry lease only includes the aircraft, with no crew or additional services provided.

 

IndiGo’s fleet and international expansion

Currently, IndiGo flies to 38 international destinations and plans to add two more by March 2025.

 

At the end of 2024, IndiGo had 14 jets on damp lease—two from Turkish Airlines and 12 from Qatar Airways. The airline is expected to lease up to six Boeing 787s from Norse Atlantic, according to earlier reports. IndiGo will also take delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR in 2025, a single-aisle aircraft capable of non-stop flights from India to Western Europe.

 

IndiGo aims to capture a larger share of India's international travel market, currently dominated by Gulf carriers offering one-stop flights. The airline deploys about 28 per cent of its capacity on international routes, serving destinations from Baku to Bali.

 

To support its long-haul ambitions, IndiGo has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900s, with an option for 70 more, expected for delivery from 2027.