Environment

We are dedicated to conducting business in a sustainable and responsible manner, taking into account the impact of our activities on the environment. The aviation sector contributes slightly over 2% of global CO2 emissions. Long term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions requires responsible actions and collaboration between all stakeholders across the industry. As an airline, we are taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact of our business operations on the environment.

Our commitment to climate-related issues is reflected in our investments, operations, and strategic approach across the Company. Since our inception, we have focused on balancing the needs of our stakeholders and the environment.

Our fleet decisions reflect our climate focus

In 2011, we were amongst the first few airlines in the world to place an order for 180 Airbus A320 NEO aircraft. With our most recent order, placed in June 2023, we have approximately 1,000 next generation aircraft that will be delivered by 2035. As of March 2023, approximately, 80% of IndiGo’s fleet was Airbus A320 NEO family, compared to the global average of 20%2. These aircraft are 15% more fuel-efficient as compared to the older generation aircraft.

Light-weight aircraft:

Since aircraft weight has a bearing on the fuel it burns, we are cognisant of the load that items used inside our aircraft – such as the seats, wheels and brakes, avionics, paint, and tyres - take up.

High seat density:

High seat density has been an inherent part of our business strategy and since we have more seats, we are able to carry a greater number of passengers for an almost similar amount of fuel. This results in a better CO2 profile, per ASK3 and RPK4

Young fleet:

Our strategy of maintaining a young fleet aligns well with our sustainability strategy. A young fleet not only lowers maintenance costs but also has a superior emissions profile since the aircraft’s airframes generate slightly higher drag and engines lose some efficiency as they age. With an average age of 3.5 years, IndiGo has the youngest fleet5 in the world, in the category of airlines, with 100+ aircraft.

Fleet modernisation (CEO NEO)

Case study: Reducing paper usage and carbon footprint through automation

IndiGo has been granted Less Paper Cockpit (LPC) approval by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This approval allows IndiGo to remove Technical Paper Manuals, weighing 40 kgs, from each aircraft cockpit of its Airbus fleet.

IndiGo has been at the forefront of adopting technology in the cockpit. In 2015, IndiGo became the first in the region to launch the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), reducing 25 kgs of paper on our Airbus fleet, and replacing paper charts and manuals with iPads. The adoption rate was phenomenal with digital manuals making it easier for the crew. Digitally updating manuals is a far simpler and quicker process compared to updating paper charts in the complete fleet, which used to take days. This initiative has not only decluttered the cockpit but also helped us to reduce our carbon footprint annually, to the tune of approximately 2,500 tonnes.

In continuation of the LPC program, IndiGo has now

Our operations support our climate agenda

Our standard operating procedures ensure that we fly the aircraft in the most fuel-efficient manner. Practices like single engine taxi, optimal flap settings during landing and takeoff, and well-designed climb and descent profiles, contribute significantly to lower fuel emissions. The skill level of our fuel monitoring team and usage of technology contributes significantly to maintaining a healthy emissions trend.

Engine Eco wash:

During normal operations, the aircraft’s engine accumulates dust, greasy materials, and pollutants. This results in degradation of the engine’s performance and higher fuel consumption. Over a decade ago, IndiGo adopted the engine Eco wash as part of its operations, which improves the engine’s efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions.

been authorised by the DGCA to remove the remaining set of on-board paper manuals. The robustness of our processes, iOS ecosystem, and world practices, followed with trials and safety risk assessment, were proving points for the regulator to authorise IndiGo’s LPC programme.

By replacing paper manuals with iPads, we have taken a big step towards strengthening digitisation and increasing sustainability. The initiative will not only decrease the usage of paper but also help us reduce our carbon footprint. The iPad allows pilots to access information quickly and nimbly, making decisions in the cockpit safer and more efficient. IndiGo is leading the way by being the first airline in the region to launch EFB on its Airbus fleet. IndiGo is committed to using technology to provide a better and safer flying experience for its customers, while contributing to a sustainable future.