Norwegian airline Norse Atlantic Airways has announced a new agreement to lease three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo.
IndiGo confirmed on February 26, 2025, that, in addition to a previous agreement between the carriers, three additional widebody aircraft will join its fleet in the second half of this year.
On February 6, 2025, Norse Atlantic and IndiGo had revealed a damp lease deal between the airlines for a single Boeing 787-9, with the aircraft scheduled to begin operating between Delhi and Bangkok from March 1, 2025.
Norse Atlantic said that the new agreement covers a six-month period, but that it could be extended up to 18 months subject to regulatory approval.
“Both parties remain committed to explore opportunities to further extend this period. Norse and Indigo continue exploring opportunities to increase their collaboration further,” said a spokesperson for Norse Atlantic.
In December 2024, Norse Atlantic first unveiled its intentions to lease up to six of its current seven Boeing 787-9s to a “reputable international airline” during 2025.
Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, said: “We are delighted to confirm extension of our partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways for damp lease of additional three Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This will help us make strategic inroads and establish the brand in the European market.”
Elbers added: “As we execute our broader strategy to strengthen and extend our international network, we are steadily advancing towards our vision of becoming a global player by 2030, firmly rooted in India and driven by continuous expansion.”
To support its long-haul expansion IndiGo has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900s, with an option for an additional 70 aircraft. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2027.
According to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), a damp lease is defined as “a wet-leased aircraft that includes a cockpit crew but not cabin attendants”.
