Airbus

India-based budget carrier IndiGo has taken delivery of its first fuel-efficient A320neo aircraft from Airbus, which was postponed by nearly three months due to engine-related issues.

The airline had previously placed an order for 430 A320neo, which was originally scheduled to be delivered last December, reports Business Standard.

IndiGo said in a statement: "IndiGo took delivery of the new A320neo aircraft at 1212 GMT in Toulouse.

"The delivery makes IndiGo the first A320neo operator in India and in Asia."

According to a report of Livemint, IndiGo received confirmation from Airbus in February regarding the delivery of 24 A320neo planes by next March.

"The delivery makes IndiGo the first A320neo operator in India and in Asia."

In June 2005, IndiGo ordered 100 Airbus A320 aircraft, 180 A320neo aircraft in June 2011 and 250 A320neo aircraft last August.

The carrier tweeted: "New eco-friendly A320neo produces lower emissions, burns less fuel and keeps skies clean.

"Ready for delivery."

In January, Lufthansa accepted the delivery of the first A320neo and the aircraft’s launch customer Qatar Airways is yet to receive the aircraft.

IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh said last week: "With the resolution of the delivery of A320neos, IndiGo expects to continue with its strong operating performance, growth in profitability and healthy cash generation.

"India remains one of the most underpenetrated aviation markets in the world.

"The combination of our unique structural cost advantages, superb product quality and large fuel-efficient aircraft orders, would enable us to deliver superior financial performance for a long period of time."

The airline currently operates 102 Airbus A320s.

Image: IndiGo previously placed an order for 430 A320neo. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.