Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo has now inducted its second Boeing 777 aircraft on a damp lease arrangement.
The wide-body Boeing 777 will operate on the Mumbai-Istanbul route, and commenced operation this week on Wednesday May 17, 2023.
The Boeing 777 aircraft has the seating capacity of 400 passengers in a dual class configuration with 24 business and 376 economy class.
IndiGo has already been operating one leased wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines on the Delhi-Istanbul route. This aircraft commenced services on February 1 this year.
These aircraft have been introduced to cater to the rising demand for international travel from India.
Mr. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to induct our second Boeing 777 aircraft on damp lease, which will operate on the Mumbai-Istanbul route.”
“Through this addition, we are implementing our strategy and delivering on our promise to provide more convenient travel options for people looking to travel between India and Europe this summer. Istanbul being a key stop, is also connecting 33 European destinations via our codeshare connectivity.”
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Long haul in-flight services
The customers can pre-book hot meals and purchase alcohol for in-flight consumption. They can pre-book options of a Jain meal, vegetarian, or non-vegetarian hot meal as per preference. There is also the option of buying blankets and pillows as well as amenity kits on the flight.
The hot-meals menu available to the customer on Mumbai-flight services will include Tomato Cheese Omelette with Potato Wedges and Veg Cutlet; Aloo Rasmissa with Palak Poori, Corn and Peas Cutlet; Chana masala with Lachha paratha and Stuffed tomato; Chicken tikka masala with Basmati rice saffron and Black lentils and more options.
Through its codeshare arrangement with Turkish Airlines, IndiGo has been adding connections to European destinations over the last few months.
These codeshare connections provide access to the countries including Bulgaria, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, Belgium, Hungary, Denmark, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Malta, France, the Czech Republic, Israel, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, and Edinburgh.
Damp lease agreement
IndiGo is operating its long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft on a damp lease agreement. A damp lease provides a leasing arrangement where the lessor supplies the aircraft along with the necessary crew, maintenance, and insurance.
However, the lessee is responsible for supplying fuel, catering, and other operational costs. In a damp lease, the lessee operates the aircraft under its own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and assumes greater operational control.
This type of lease is considered a middle ground between dry lease and wet lease.
Summary
The acquisition of a second Boeing 777 by the carrier on a damp lease is perhaps indicative of the level of pent-up demand currently being realised on its Istanbul route service.
IndiGo inducted its first damp leased Boeing 777 from Istanbul Airlines in February this year, in response to air travel demand both to and from India.
Turkiye has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations post pandemic and has been one of the top choices for outbound tourism from India in 2022.
