IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) will damp-lease two more B787-9 from Norse Atlantic Airways, expanding the existing contract for four aircraft of the type from the Norwegian airline. The two additional B787-9s are expected to start operating in IndiGo's network by early 2026, the low-cost carrier announced.
The damp-lease agreement has an initial duration of six months, with the possibility of extension up to 18 months, subject to regulatory approval.
Norse Atlantic Airways has been operating one B787-9 LN-FNC (msn 38790) for IndiGo since March 1, 2025, with three more set to be deployed on IndiGo's routes in the second half of 2025.
IndiGo recently announced plans to start new services from India to Manchester and Amsterdam Schiphol in July 2025 as part of its drive to connect its home market with European destinations. The company intends to utilise Norse's aircraft on long-haul routes, eventually replacing them with A350-900s. IndiGo has 30 widebody aircraft on order from Airbus, and the first jet is scheduled to arrive in 2027.
Despite the ambitious plans to expand its reach to Europe, the airline has not yet scheduled any services.
Norse Atlantic Airways currently operates eight B787-9s, while its subsidiary Norse Atlantic (United Kingdom) has four of the type. The new contract with IndiGo aligns with Norse's strategy to diversify its revenue streams by focusing more on ACMI and charter operations.
