India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is in discussions with Embraer over a potential order for E2 regional jets, a deal that could become the Brazilian manufacturer’s biggest commercial aircraft sale in the country if negotiations lead to a contract.
According to Bloomberg, the talks remain at an early stage and no agreement has been reached. IndiGo is reportedly evaluating dozens of E2 aircraft to replace its ATR turboprops while adding capacity across its domestic network.
Such a deal would represent a significant departure from IndiGo’s long-standing fleet strategy. The airline operates one of the world’s largest Airbus fleets, with about 420 aircraft, including 192 A320-family jets, 179 A321-family aircraft and 44 ATR 72 turboprops. It also holds one of the industry’s largest outstanding orders for the A320neo family and recently selected the Airbus A350 to launch long-haul international services.
That background makes an Embraer order less predictable than a decision to remain within the Airbus ecosystem by selecting the A220, the manufacturer’s smallest jetliner.
For Embraer, the negotiations would represent a long-sought breakthrough in India. The company has yet to secure an E2 order in the country, although regional carrier Star Air operates the E175 through leasing arrangements and is expected to add leased E190s in the near future.
The report also revives Embraer’s industrial ambitions in India. The company has previously stated that establishing a final assembly line for the E175 would require orders for at least 200 aircraft. Indian newspaper The Economic Times has reported that the Adani Group intends to support such a facility if Embraer secures demand on that scale, although no agreement has been announced.
Neither Embraer nor IndiGo commented on the reported negotiations.
