IndiGo granted international traffic rights with 180 A320s on the way

IndiGo announced it has been granted international traffic rights by the Government of India to operate services from several cities in India to Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai and Muscat during the forthcoming summer schedule (thehindubusinessline.com, 19-Jan-2011). The criteria for permission to launch international operations are that the airline should complete five years of domestic operations and have a 20-aircraft fleet. Currently, IndiGo has a fleet of 34 Airbus A320 aircraft and last week it placed an order for 180 Airbus A320s. [more]

IndiGo: "IndiGo is delighted to receive these important traffic rights, and is grateful to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for approving its application in a timely manner. As IndiGo turns five in Aug-2011, this approval dovetails well into its planning process.This will hasten the process of Indian carriers taking back some of the market share that has been lost over the past many decades to foreign carriers. At the same time, this will allow airport operators in India to benefit from the significant investments they have made in developing the airport infrastructure necessary, to meet the growing needs of the traveling public. The schedules and dates for the launch of these international services will be announced in the coming months." Source: Company statement.