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Journey Through Time: The Stories of VT-IDV and IndiGo
In the vast expanse of aviation, every aircraft carries a silent chronicle of its adventures. The VT-IDV, a seasoned Airbus A320-214, recently released as an Aviationtag, is no exception. Its tale is a fascinating narrative that transcends borders and carriers, leaving an indelible mark on the aviation tapestry. Let's embark on a journey through time, exploring the intertwined stories of VT-IDV and its carrier, IndiGo.
IndiGo's Ascent to the Skies
The IndiGo saga began in 2006 when Rahul Bhatia of InterGlobe Enterprises and Rakesh Gangwal founded the airline. Taking delivery of its first aircraft in July 2006, IndiGo swiftly ascended to become the largest Indian carrier by passenger market share in 2012. The airline's unique business model, focused on reducing costs and ensuring punctuality, proved to be the cornerstone of its success.
Over the years, IndiGo achieved significant milestones, including becoming the largest airline in India by market share in 2012 and placing historic orders for Airbus A320neo family aircraft in 2015 and 2019. In December 2019, IndiGo made history by operating 1,500 daily flights, and by the end of 2019, it boasted a fleet size exceeding 250 aircraft.
In January 2023, IndiGo reached another milestone, becoming the first Indian airline with a fleet size surpassing 300 aircraft. The airline continued to script history, introducing its first wide-body aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER, in February 2023. By June 2023, IndiGo placed an order for a staggering 500 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, solidifying its position in commercial aviation history.
The IndiGo A320 VT-IDV Collection View all
VT-IDV's Chapter in the IndiGo Saga
Enter the VT-IDV, an Airbus A320-214 with CFM56-5B4/P engines. Delivered in 2002 to the
Spanish charter carrier Iberworld, this aircraft danced through the skies until 2009. From India to Germany, and a brief interlude in Russia with Rossiya, it finally found a home with IndiGo from 2016 to 2022.
VT-IDV, the seventh registration in its storied life, added an Indian chapter to its alphanumeric tale. Registrations EC-IEQ, VT-WAY, EC-KDD, VQ-BDQ, and more marked distinct eras, each a testament to the aircraft's resilience and adaptability.
Following a brief sojourn in Russia and a stint in Lithuania, where it bore the registration OE-IRZ, the VT-IDV caught our attention. Among retired aircraft,
it beckoned with its captivating history. This chance discovery marked the beginning of a new chapter – a commitment to preserving aviation stories through upcycling.
As weunveil the VT-IDV Aviationtag, it's more than a repurposed artifact; it's a storyteller. Each tag encapsulates not just a piece of metal but a tangible fragment of aviation's rich, dynamic history – a testament to our commitment to upcycling and cherishing the stories etched into the very soul of aviation. Embark on this journey with us, where every tag is a portal to the skies, and every story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of aviation.
Our blog is diving into the history of VT-IDV, but we're eager to hear about your in-flight flashbacks. Comment with details of the quirkiest in-flight experiences or the airline that always brings back fond memories. Your stories keep the aviation spirit alive!
8 comments
Thanks for sharing this, Anjan!
VT-IDV is a very special aircraft for me. He gave me a very special birthday present and that was that I wasn't stuck in India during Corona. We were supposed to fly from Hyderabad to Mumbai to get back to Germany from there. Unfortunately it was the beginning of the Corona pandemic and the captain and crew were all unable to attend due to Covid. We thought we would miss our flight from Mumbai to Germany. But we were able to be rebooked on this plane. The plane took me and my family to Mumbai and gave me the best birthday present that I can be home with my family. That's why I'm very grateful to the machine. I was all the sadder when the machine was taken out of service. But now she is here at Aviationtag and I am very happy about that.
VT-IDV will hold a special place for me! This was the exact aircraft in which I was line released as First Officer! The CFM A320s like IDV had a terrible rate of climb compared to the IAE or the newer NEOs which had started operating with us by then. So, as a new First Officer, I would always take the aircraft's optimal cruising altitude with a pinch of salt as it became apparent that by the time we reached that altitude, we might have to start descending for our arrival very soon! Thank you for ensuring my successful check IDV, and thanks for being a niggle free aircraft!
