Which Indian airline became the first in India to receive and operate the Airbus A321neo aircraft?

Introduction / Context:
The Indian aviation sector has seen rapid growth, with airlines inducting new-generation aircraft to improve fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The Airbus A321neo is a popular narrow-body aircraft with advanced engines and better fuel economy. This question tests your knowledge of which Indian airline first received and began operating the A321neo in India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

We are given:
- A list of Indian airlines: Indian Airlines, SpiceJet, IndiGo, Air India, and GoAir.
- The question is specifically about the first airline in India to get the Airbus A321neo.

Concept / Approach:
This is a specific current affairs and industry knowledge question. IndiGo, India's largest low-cost carrier by market share, has been one of the biggest customers for Airbus A320 family aircraft, including the A320neo and A321neo variants. IndiGo was the first Indian airline to induct and operate the A321neo aircraft in its fleet, using it on high-density domestic and international routes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which airline in India is closely associated with large Airbus A320 family orders.
Step 2: Recognise that IndiGo has a long-standing relationship with Airbus for the A320neo family, including the A321neo.
Step 3: Remember news reports highlighting IndiGo as the first Indian carrier to put the A321neo into commercial service in India.
Step 4: Compare with other airlines: SpiceJet, GoAir, and Air India also operate Airbus or Boeing aircraft, but were not the first to induct the A321neo in India.
Step 5: Select 'IndiGo' as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Aviation news portals, Airbus press releases, and IndiGo's own announcements confirm that IndiGo became the first Indian airline to operate the Airbus A321neo, using the aircraft to increase capacity and reduce per-seat cost on busy routes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Indian Airlines: This carrier has been merged with Air India and did not separately induct the A321neo as a first mover.
- SpiceJet: Known more for operating Boeing 737 aircraft and some Q400 turboprops; not the first operator of A321neo in India.
- Air India: A full-service carrier operating various Airbus and Boeing models, but not the first Indian airline to introduce the A321neo in commercial service.
- GoAir: A low-cost carrier that operates A320 family aircraft, including A320neo, but not the first to induct the A321neo.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may guess Air India due to its long history and mixed fleet, or GoAir because of its early adoption of A320neo aircraft. However, the distinction here is the specific A321neo variant and being the first Indian operator. IndiGo's aggressive fleet expansion and large Airbus orders make it the correct choice. When dealing with aircraft-related questions, always pay attention to the exact model mentioned and cross-connect it with airlines known for that specific type.

Final Answer:
Correct option: IndiGo