NEW DELHI: India’s largest airline by domestic market share, IndiGo, has firmed up its last year’s commitment for ordering 250 A320neo aircraft which have a list price of about $26 billion. This largest-ever aircraft purchase agreement for single aisle planes was signed last Saturday between the airline and Airbus.

IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh said: “This new order further reaffirms IndiGo’s commitment to the long-term development of affordable air transportation in India and overseas. The additional fuel efficient A320neo aircraft will enable us to continue to bring our low fares and courteous, hassle free service to more customers and markets and will create more job opportunities and growth. The IndiGo team is energised and excited to herald this new phase of our growth for many years to come.”

Airbus COO (customers) John Leahy said: “It fills us with pride that IndiGo, India’s largest airline and one of the early launch customers for the A320neo, is coming back for more of our benchmark aircraft…. We thank IndiGo and its co-founders, Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal, for their tremendous vote of confidence.”

IndiGo had placed an order in 2005 for 100 A320s which have all now been delivered. In 2011, IndiGo became the first Indian operator to commit to the A320neo bringing their total to 280 Airbus aircraft. With the latest announcement, IndiGo has ordered 530 A320 Family aircraft with Airbus.

The A320neo or “new engine option” incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15% in fuel savings from day one and 20% by 2020.