To develop direct long-haul air travel capabilities of India based airlines, the Centre under its hub strategy is evaluating a proposal to further ease aircraft leasing norms.

Accordingly, the proposed reform package includes longer leasing duration for wet lease aircraft (leased aircraft accompanied by crew) and easier mechanism to re-lease. At present, the wet lease period has been limited for only six months, since the aircraft is required to undergo scheduled maintenance activity beyond this duration.

On the other hand, the dry lease period for an aircraft ranges between five and seven years.

“A consultative mechanism is used in the strategy to develop international hub airports in the country and to promote direct connectivity. Various stakeholders including airlines propose certain ways in which the objective of this strategy can be achieved,” sources said.

“Under the same mechanism, the Centre has received airlines’ proposals on the wet lease norms. We are evaluating the same.”

As per sources, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has established a platform under which industry participants and other ministries are engaged to make a strategy to develop international hub airports in the country.

The proposal recommends tweaking of current norms which will then allow airlines to deploy wet leased aircraft for new international routes, sources said.

The proposal also deals with the supply chain and other issues that has impacted aircraft availability.

“Leasing is generally a short-term measure to meet higher demand. However, the proposal at hand widens the usage of wet lease in promoting direct connectivity,” sources said.

Meanwhile, responding to reports on the wet lease of long-range Boeing 787s to open new routes to Europe, airline major IndiGo on Wednesday said that it is committed to “constantly evolving to provide its customers with an alternate and differentiated travel experience.”.

“In April, IndiGo announced the order for wide-body A350-900 aircraft with deliveries starting in 2027 and alongside the XLR aircraft expected next year (2025), IndiGo is well positioned to expand our geographic reach and serve the ever-growing demand for international travel to and from India,” the airline said.

“In order to address this growing demand and in keeping also in mind global supply chain challenges, IndiGo is exploring interim solutions for an earlier introduction of long-range aircraft to its fleet. Route and network opportunities related to these solutions are being explored at present.”