IndiGo Discusses Massive Jet Order With Brazil's Embraer

India's largest airline, IndiGo, is in early talks with Brazilian planemaker Embraer to purchase 100 regional jets with an option for about 50 more. Three people with direct knowledge of the matter revealed the discussions, noting that a final deal is not guaranteed, the specific aircraft model has not been decided, and the final order size could change. Any plane deliveries would likely start from 2030 at the earliest, according to two of the sources. Both IndiGo and Embraer did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.

Potential Impact and Fleet Plans

A successful sale of 100 jets could be worth billions of dollars at list prices, though airlines commonly receive discounts on such orders. Embraer has been actively marketing its regional aircraft to Indian airlines and previously signed a non-binding pact with Adani Defence and Aerospace this year to explore setting up a final assembly line in India for its older E175-E1 jets. The planemaker also manufactures the larger E190-E2 and E195-E2 jets, which feature newer and more fuel-efficient engines. Currently, Star Air is the only small regional carrier in India operating Embraer jets.

Context

India remains the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, prompting major carriers to rapidly expand their fleets to meet rising long-term air travel demand. An order of this scale could help IndiGo grow its routes to regional areas and potentially replace some of its existing ATR turboprops. IndiGo currently operates a fleet mostly made up of Airbus narrowbody jets alongside 44 ATR turboprops, with plans to grow its overall fleet significantly in the coming years.