Indigo to launch flights by Nov-Feb

After placing one of the world's largest orders for 100 aircraft, low-fare carrier Indigo Airlines is planning to launch its domestic services this winter, and have a fleet of eight planes by 2006.

Rahul Bhatia, co-owner of the airline, said: "We will be airborne between November and February next year. We will launch our first flight in a few weeks after we get the delivery of our first aircraft. Internally, we will be ready to fly much before-hand."

Indigo Enterprises recently stunned the world by placing one of the largest firm orders for 100 A-320 aircraft with European manufacturer Airbus Industrie with a list price of over $6 billion at the Paris Air Show.

Asked whether they would lease planes to start operations, Bhatia said: "There could be a bridging arrangement with a lessor to provide them with the aircraft in case of delay in delivery of our own planes. We would, however, prefer to fly our own aircraft."

Bhatia, managing director of travel firm Interglobe Enterprise, owns the airline company along with top aviation expert Rakesh Gangwal.

Indigo, which received its no objection certificate (NoC) from the government to launch scheduled services last April, would get eight aircraft by the end of 2006, nine more in 2007 and induct one each every month after that, he said. (PTI)