Citi and Credendo, Belgium’s export credit agency, today announced the successful closing of a USD 328 million financing for eight Airbus aircraft (six A321s and two A320s) for IndiGo, India’s largest airline by network and fleet size and one of the fastest growing carriers in the world. Under the structure, Citi acted as Sole Mandated Arranger, ECA Coordinator and Sole Lender, with the financing backed by Credendo’s credit insurance.
Executed through IndiGo’s subsidiary, InterGlobe Aviation Financial Services IFSC Private Limited, the transaction marks the first-ever Credendo-insured aviation financing globally and the first ECA-backed aircraft financing through a GIFT IFSC leasing structure, setting an important milestone in India in aviation finance.
The bespoke financing solution was jointly conceptualized, structured and developed by Citi and Credendo in close partnership with IndiGo and Airbus, leveraging Citi’s market-leading expertise in ECA structuring and aviation finance together with Credendo’s credit insurance capabilities to deliver a tailored funding solution that supports IndiGo’s ambitious fleet expansion plans through the GIFT IFSC platform. Airbus played a key role in supporting this pioneering financing, working closely with Citi, Credendo and IndiGo throughout the process. The transaction further underscores Airbus' commitment to developing innovative financing solutions that enhance funding access and support the growth ambitions of its airline customers.
This landmark transaction reflects the growing importance of access to innovative international capital and export credit support in meeting the financing needs of India's rapidly expanding aviation sector and reinforcing its position as a global aviation hub. For IndiGo, the facility provides a competitive and diversified source of long-term funding for fleet and network growth. It also demonstrates the strong collaboration between Citi, Credendo, IndiGo and Airbus in delivering a first-of-its-kind financing and broadening the range of funding solutions available to the Indian aviation market.
K Balasubramanian, India CEO and Banking Head and Indian Subcontinent Sub-Cluster Head, Citi, commented: “The Government of India has made aircraft leasing through GIFT City a clear policy priority, and the incentives introduced have helped position India as an attractive destination for aircraft leasing. This transaction is a strong example of that vision in action. By combining Citi’s cross-border aviation and ECA financing expertise with Credendo’s credit insurance and IndiGo’s GIFT IFSC platform, we have delivered a first-of-its-kind solution that opens a vital new pathway connecting Indian aviation with the deep pool of ECA-backed international liquidity and supports the next phase of India’s aviation growth. Citi is proud to have led this landmark facility as Sole Mandated Lead Arranger, ECA Coordinator and Sole Lender. We also thank Airbus for its partnership and support in making this transaction possible.”
Frank Vanwingh, Group Deputy CEO, Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, Credendo – Export Credit Agency stated: “This transaction is a significant milestone for Credendo and the first step in a broader initiative aimed at enhancing support for the Belgian aviation industry. As our inaugural aircraft finance transaction, it demonstrates our ambition to become a long-term partner for Belgian aviation stakeholders seeking access to international opportunities and innovative financing structures. The transaction also showcases the value that Belgian export credit support can bring to the aviation sector through bespoke risk mitigation solutions. We are proud to have worked alongside Airbus, Citi and IndiGo in delivering this landmark transaction through GIFT IFSC and look forward to supporting further aviation finance projects worldwide.”
Riyaz Peermohamed, Chief Aircraft Acquisition & Financing Officer, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to partner with Citi, Credendo and Airbus on this landmark financing, which offers IndiGo a competitive source of liquidity for our growing Airbus fleet. The transaction demonstrates the potential of GIFT IFSC to bring together international banks and export credit agencies and create innovative financing solutions for Indian aviation.”
About Citi
Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.
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About Credendo
Present across the European continent and active in all segments of trade credit insurance, Credendo provides a range of products that cover risks worldwide: Belgian export credit agency services, whole turnover short-term credit insurance covering European and non-European risks, single risk, excess of loss, top up, financing solutions, surety and reinsurance. In 2025 Credendo insured international trade worth 91 billion euros and earned 438 million euros in premium income. Credendo is the fourth largest credit insurance group in Europe.
For more information, visit www.credendo.com.
About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred and amongst the fastest growing carriers in the world. IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer fares that are affordable, flights that are on time, and provide a courteous and hassle-free travel experience across its unparalleled network. With its fleet of 430+ aircraft, the airline operates nearly 2200 daily flights, connecting 95+ domestic and 40+ international destinations, and welcomed more than 123 million customers in FY26. IndiGo was recognised as the ‘Best Low-Cost Airline in India & South Asia’ at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, while also earning accolades for ‘Best Cabin Crew in India & South Asia’ and being named the ‘Cleanest Airline in India & South Asia’. IndiGo was also named the sixth Most Punctual Airline in Asia-Pacific in 2025 by the global aviation analytics firm, Cirium.
For more information, please visit http://www.goindigo.in/ or download our mobile app.
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About Airbus
Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus designs and manufactures modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in space systems, defence and security. In helicopters, Airbus provides efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.
About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred and amongst the fastest growing carriers in the world. IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer fares that are affordable, flights that are on time, and provide a courteous and hassle-free travel experience across its unparalleled network. With its fleet of 430+ aircraft, the airline operates nearly 2200 daily flights, connecting 95+ domestic and 40+ international destinations, and welcomed more than 123 million customers in FY26. IndiGo was recognised as the ‘Best Low-Cost Airline in India & South Asia’ at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, while also earning accolades for ‘Best Cabin Crew in India & South Asia’ and being named the ‘Cleanest Airline in India & South Asia’. IndiGo was also named the sixth Most Punctual Airline in Asia-Pacific in 2025 by the global aviation analytics firm, Cirium.
For more information, please visit http://www.goindigo.in/ or download our mobile app.
Facebook | X | Instagram
About Airbus
Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus designs and manufactures modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in space systems, defence and security. In helicopters, Airbus provides efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.
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