IndiGo is gearing to expand its operations in Europe as it eyes a larger share of long haul traffic. The airline has applied for slots at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport for daily flights from Mumbai and Delhi in the summer schedule. The airline is also strengthening it’s management team and looking to bolster sales presence especially on the cargo side as it prepares for new services.
IndiGo has elevated its chief commercial officer officer (cargo), Mark Sutch, as head of international development along with existing role. Former Qatar Airways executive Liesbeth Oudkerk has been roped in as regional head of Europe. It has also opened vacancies for managers at London, Paris and Amsterdam airports for internal candidates.
Air India, Emirates and Etihad Airways have the largest share of traffic between India and Europe. London, Paris, Frankfurt, Istanbul and Amsterdam are top five destinations for travel to/from India.
According to an industry source, IndiGo has a market share of around 6 per cent on Europe routes. It operates flights to Baku (Azerbaijan), Istanbul (Turkey) and Tbilisi (Georgia). IndiGo also has a code share partnership with Turkish Airlines allowing it to sell tickets to over 30 destinations in Europe
IndiGo’s chief executive officer Pieter Elbers confirmed the airline’s plans for Europe but refused to reveal a precise date. “I can’t speculate whether it will materialise this summer or later,” he said.
Aiming for transition
Elbers said the new appointments have been made as IndiGo aims to transition into a global carrier. “We are preparing for the future,” he said. Long haul operations are a different ball game and can’t be planned overnight, he added. Currently 28 per cent of the airline’s capacity is deployed on international routes and that is set to grow further as it receives Airbus A321XLR from later this year and Airbus A350s from 2027.
In the interim, it is planning to wet lease six Boeing 787 aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways. Two of them are expected in March and could be flown to Bangkok or Singapore before their deployment to Europe.
Deepening pact
Aviation industry executives believe IndiGo could deepen its partnership with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic ahead of its Europe foray. This could help it gain slots at airports and also provide it passenger and cargo feed. “IndiGo could fulfil the role played by Jet Airways,” an executive remarked. Prior to its closure Jet Airways collaborated with Air France-KLM and two fed each others’ flights.
“We currently have a successful commercial partnership with IndiGo for the Indian market offering Air France-KLM customers access to 30 destinations in India,” a spokesperson said. Air France-KLM did not comment on possible expansion of code shares.
The Dutch government has proposed a reduction in flights making it harder for new airlines to get slots on a permanent basis. According to local media reports, IndiGo is in discussions with local authorities for a solution. “I don’t think Amsterdam is their only option and IndiGo will look at other destinations in Europe as well,” another executive pointed out.