Indian budget airline IndiGo has finalized an exceptionally large order for 250 single-aisle A320neo jets. India’s largest domestic airline by market share, IndiGo celebrated its 9th birthday by firming up its last year’s commitment  on Monday and ordering 250 A320neo Family aircraft. IndiGo’s move underscores growth plans for the carrier, which has a 38.4% share of the local market.

“This new order further reaffirms IndiGo’s commitment to the long-term development of affordable air transportation in India and overseas," said Aditya Ghosh, president, IndiGo.

"The additional fuel efficient A320neo aircraft will enable us to continue to bring our low fares and courteous, hassle free service to more customers and markets and will create more job opportunities and growth. The IndiGo team is energised and excited to herald this new phase of our growth for many years to come,” he said.

IndiGo placed an order in 2005 for 100 A320s which have already been delivered. In 2011, IndiGo became the first Indian operator to commit to the A320neo bringing their total to 280 Airbus aircraft. With today’s announcement, IndiGo has ordered 530 A320-family aircraft.

This is the company's biggest ever order by number of jets. The A320neo is an upgraded, more fuel-efficient version of Airbus' popular A320 jets, usually used on mid-range flights. The A320neo “new engine option” incorporates many innovations, including latest engines and large sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 per cent by 2020. This is equivalent to a reduction of 5,000 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year.