History of IndiGo Airlines । Current Details: it's Owner, Total Fleet, New Orders and Every Details

IndiGo is India's largest and most successful low-cost airline, known for its efficiency, punctuality and extensive domestic network. Let's know History and Current Details of IndiGo Airlines. 

Founding and Early Years (2006-2008)

Founding: IndiGo was founded in 2006 by InterGlobe Enterprises owner Rahul Bhatia and former United Airlines executive Rakesh Gangwal. The airline was launched with a vision to provide affordable, reliable and on-time services to passengers in India.

Initial Fleet: In July 2006, IndiGo placed a large order of 100 Airbus A320 aircraft at the Farnborough Air Show, a record-setting deal for an Indian airline at the time. This bold move reflects the founders’ confidence in India’s fast-growing aviation market.

First Flight: IndiGo's first flight took off on August 4, 2006 from Delhi to Imphal via Guwahati. Initially, the airline operated with a fleet of one Airbus A320 and began expanding its domestic routes.

Initial Expansion (2009-2013)

Fleet Expansion: By 2009, IndiGo had grown significantly, operating a fleet of around 20 aircraft. The airline continued its aggressive growth strategy, gradually expanding its domestic route network to cover major cities across India.

Reputation for Punctuality: IndiGo quickly gained a reputation for its emphasis on on-time performance, operational efficiency, and a straightforward, no-frills experience. It became known for offering affordable fares without compromising on quality or punctuality, which attracted both business and leisure travelers.  

Profitability: Unlike many other Indian airlines that struggled financially, IndiGo was able to turn a profit within a few years of operations, primarily due to its focus on cost discipline, streamlined services and fuel efficiency.

IPO and International Expansion (2014-2016)

International Routes: In 2011, IndiGo received approval from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to operate international flights. It launched its first international flight to Dubai in September 2011. By 2014, it was flying to several international destinations including Singapore, Bangkok and Muscat.

Initial Public Offering (IPO): In 2015, IndiGo went public, launching one of the largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) in Indian aviation history, raising approximately USD 464 million. The IPO was extremely successful and elevated IndiGo as a major player in the Indian aviation sector. 

100th aircraft: By 2016, IndiGo's fleet had grown to over 100 aircraft, and it celebrated its 10th anniversary as India's largest airline by passenger market share.

Market leadership and fleet expansion (2017-present)

Fleet orders: In addition to its initial order of 100 A320 aircraft, IndiGo placed further large orders with Airbus, including 250 A320neo aircraft in 2015 and 300 Airbus A320neo family aircraft in 2019. These orders demonstrated IndiGo's ambitions to maintain its leadership in the Indian aviation market.

Market dominance: By 2017, IndiGo had firmly established itself as India's largest airline, with over 40% market share in the domestic aviation sector. It consistently ranked as the top airline in terms of passenger numbers, reliability and punctuality.

International Growth: IndiGo continued to expand its international footprint, adding new destinations in Asia and the Middle East, and later expanding into Europe. It primarily operates medium-haul international routes, focusing on cost-effective operations.

Considering Wide-Body Aircraft: As part of its growth strategy, IndiGo explored the possibility of acquiring wide-body aircraft to serve long-haul international destinations, though it has remained focused on narrow-body operations for cost efficiency.

Key details of IndiGo Airlines

Rank in India: IndiGo is India’s largest passenger airline, with a market share of around 55.5%.

Owner: InterGlobe Aviation and Calm Investments. 

Funded by: Established as a joint venture between Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal.

Founded in: 2006.

Started operations: The first flight took place in August 2006.

Ownership: IndiGo is owned by InterGlobe Aviation Limited and Calm Investments, with InterGlobe. Rahul Bhatia’s company holding a 51.12% stake, and Rakesh Gangwal’s Calm Investments holding a 47.88% stake. 

Main hub: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. 

Second hub: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, (Mumbai) 

Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana, India. 

Current Chairman: Rahul Bhatia. 

Current CEO: Pieter Elbers. 

Current MD: Rahul Bhatia is the Managing Director. 

Total Fleet: 379.

Total Destinations: 122 destinations (88 domestic, 34 international). 

Type: Low-cost carrier. 

IATA: 6E.

ICAO: IGO. 

New Orders: IndiGo has recently placed a 500-plane (A320) order in 2023, the largest in aviation history. 

Website: 

Careers Page: 

Recent Developments of IndiGo

• Fleet Size and Routes: As of 2024, IndiGo operates a fleet of over 300 aircraft, primarily comprising Airbus A320 and A321neo models, along with a few ATR 72-600 for regional operations. It serves over 100 destinations, including major domestic cities and international locations across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

• Financial Health: IndiGo has been one of the few consistently profitable airlines in India, even during periods of financial turmoil in the industry. Its cost-conscious management and focus on maintaining high load factors have been key to its financial success.

• Current Status: IndiGo dominates the Indian domestic market, capturing 55% market share by 2024. It is known for its vast domestic network, affordable fares, and reliable service.

Operations and Services of IndiGo 

• Low-cost model: IndiGo's success can be attributed to its strict adherence to the low-cost carrier model, which emphasizes high aircraft utilization, quick turnaround time, and cost-effective services.

• Focus on punctuality: IndiGo has built its brand around punctuality and hassle-free travel experience, which has helped it win customer loyalty.

• Operational efficiency: IndiGo has managed to control operating costs by using a single aircraft type (the Airbus A320 family) and maintaining tight control over its fuel costs and other overheads.

Vision Under InterGlobe Aviation and Calm Investments

IndiGo aims to expand its presence internationally while maintaining its dominant position in the domestic market. The airline's future growth will likely focus on expanding into new international markets, increasing its fleet size, and prioritizing operational efficiency and low fares.