IndiGo CEO Willie Walsh eyes 14 A321 XLRs by 2027-end, A350s in 2028

IndiGo expects its fleet of narrow-body A321 XLR aircraft to reach 14 by the end of December 2027, according to CEO Willie Walsh on Tuesday, as the carrier works to broaden its international footprint. The airline currently operates 4 A321 XLRs, with one more scheduled for delivery before the end of the year.

The extended range of these aircraft will enable the airline to serve additional overseas routes.

Speaking at a conference in the national capital, Walsh emphasized that short-haul routes will remain central to IndiGo's operations, noting that the carrier maintains a highly efficient cost structure.


Having wrapped up its leased wide-body Boeing 787 operations, IndiGo plans to take delivery of its A350-900 aircraft starting in the second quarter of 2028.

Walsh highlighted that substantial preparation is required prior to launching A350 flights.

"We (need) to make sure that we don't get distracted from the excitement of the induction of the A350 and take our eye off the ball in terms of the work that we need to continue to do on the short haul narrow body operation, which is very efficient today," he said.

He delivered these comments at the Aviation India and South Asia 2026 conference hosted in the capital.

Addressing airport infrastructure, he underscored the necessity of strong, collaborative relationships with airport operators.

Airports must maintain a clear focus on the value of their capital investments, noted Walsh, who has frequently voiced concern over elevated airport fees and levies.

Looking ahead, IndiGo aims to expand its total fleet to 600 aircraft by 2030, up from its current fleet size of over 440 planes.