IndiGo in talks with Embraer for 100 regional jets, option for 50 more

New Delhi: IndiGo is in preliminary discussions with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to acquire 100 regional jets, with an option for approximately 50 additional aircraft. The potential agreement could become one of Embraer’s largest commercial aircraft orders, although no deal has been finalized and deliveries are unlikely before 2030.

Three people familiar with the negotiations disclosed the proposed order size but said the aircraft model and final quantity remained undecided, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

The discussions remain at an early stage, with no guarantee of an agreement. IndiGo and Embraer did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

A 100 aircraft purchase could be worth billions of dollars at catalogue prices, although substantial discounts are common in commercial aviation transactions.

The potential acquisition comes as IndiGo plans to expand its fleet from 442 aircraft in September 2026 to approximately 600 by 2030.

The airline operates predominantly Airbus narrowbody aircraft, alongside 44 ATR turboprops serving regional destinations.
Embraer jets could allow IndiGo to increase passenger capacity on regional routes and potentially replace some ATR aircraft. However, the airline has not announced any fleet-replacement decision.

Embraer’s regional aircraft range includes the E175-E1, accommodating up to 88 passengers, and the newer E190-E2 and E195-E2, seating up to 114 and 146 passengers, respectively.

The E2 variants feature newer, more fuel-efficient engines, although IndiGo has not identified a preferred aircraft model.
Chief executive officer Willie Walsh, who assumed charge in August, has outlined plans to expand long-haul operations while maintaining IndiGo’s low-cost short-haul business.

The negotiations also carry significance for Embraer’s manufacturing ambitions in India.

The Brazilian manufacturer signed a memorandum of understanding with Adani defence & aerospace in January this year and expanded the agreement in February to explore establishing an Indian final assembly line for E175 regional jets.

Embraer CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto, told Reuters in March that the proposed Indian assembly line depended on securing orders for at least 200 aircraft by the end of 2026, with locally assembled jets potentially available from 2028.

An IndiGo order could strengthen Embraer’s position in India, the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, where Star Air remains the only airline operating its regional jets.

The discussions coincide with government efforts to improve air connectivity beyond major metropolitan airports.

India’s Udan regional connectivity scheme had operationalized 687 routes across 95 aerodromes, facilitating travel for approximately 1.72 crore passengers by October 2026, according to government figures.

The Union Cabinet also approved ₹28,840 crore for the modified Udan scheme in March 2026, covering 2026-2036, to strengthen regional aviation infrastructure and connectivity.

The proposed IndiGo-Embraer transaction remains subject to negotiations, with neither company announcing an aircraft order or delivery commitments.