Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo has received in-principle approval from the Indian government for its large order of 180 Airbus A320s, and expects to firm up the purchase within the next few weeks.

The airline announced yesterday a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for the order, which comprises 150 of the new re-engined A320neo and 30 regular A320s.

Last May, IndiGo said it was seeking government approval for the purchase of up to 150 new aircraft which will be used to expand its network.

"We have received in-principle approval from the government and we will firm up the purchase in the next few weeks," says a senior official in the company who did not want to be named,

He adds that it is too early to say where the new aircraft will be operated to. The narrowbody jets will be delivered between 2016 and 2025.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news