InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., the parent company of IndiGo, is in discussions with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer SA over a potential order for regional jets, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg.
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InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., the parent company of IndiGo, is in discussions with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer SA over a potential order for regional jets, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg.
The discussions are at an early stage and no agreement has been finalised. Sources told Bloomberg that IndiGo is considering the purchase of dozens of Embraer E2 aircraft to replace its existing ATR turboprop fleet and support future capacity growth.
If completed, the transaction could represent one of the most significant fleet diversification moves undertaken by the airline and mark a notable expansion of Embraer's footprint in India.
Regional network growth drives aircraft evaluation
IndiGo currently operates the largest airline fleet in India and has relied primarily on Airbus aircraft for its growth strategy.
According to company data cited by Bloomberg, the airline's fleet stood at 441 aircraft as of March, including 46 ATR regional turboprops deployed on shorter routes.
The potential Embraer acquisition is understood to be aimed at two objectives:
People familiar with the discussions told Bloomberg that the airline is evaluating dozens of E2 aircraft, although the scale and structure of any potential order remain undecided.
Neither IndiGo nor Embraer immediately responded to requests for comment, according to the report.
Potential deal could strengthen Embraer's India ambitions
A successful order would represent the largest aircraft deal secured by Embraer in India and could have implications beyond fleet procurement.
According to Bloomberg, Francisco Gomes Neto, Chief Executive Officer of Embraer, has previously said the company would require orders for at least 200 E175 regional jets before considering the establishment of an aircraft assembly facility in India.
An IndiGo order could therefore strengthen Embraer's long-term manufacturing ambitions in the country.
The Brazilian manufacturer has already been expanding its presence in India.
Recent developments include:
These moves form part of Embraer's broader effort to deepen its engagement with one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.
India emerges as a critical aviation growth market
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India is the world's third-largest air travel market and continues to record strong growth.
Despite the scale of demand, India currently lacks commercial aircraft assembly operations and remains dependent on international manufacturers for fleet expansion.
The country's leading carriers have placed some of the aviation industry's largest aircraft orders in recent years.
Both IndiGo and Air India have committed to substantial aircraft acquisitions from Airbus and Boeing to support long-term growth plans.
Against this backdrop, a potential Embraer order would stand out as a strategic addition to IndiGo's predominantly Airbus-led fleet structure.
Decision could influence regional aviation landscape
The talks highlight increasing interest in regional aviation capacity as airlines seek to improve connectivity and serve emerging markets beyond major metropolitan hubs.
IndiGo still has approximately 900 aircraft scheduled for delivery over the next decade, according to Bloomberg. Any future Embraer purchase would therefore form part of a much broader fleet expansion programme already underway.
While discussions remain preliminary, the outcome could shape both IndiGo's regional operations and Embraer's long-term ambitions in India, a market becoming increasingly important to global aircraft manufacturers.
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