India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets, and along with air travel, the passengers also seek ease of travel, comfort offerings and something extra to make their flight experience delightful, in response to this growing demand for premium services IndiGo has stepped up its game by breaking its long-time image of all-economy low-cost carrier and has ventured into a new elite space.
IndiGo has done it again! Right from placing record-aircraft orders to becoming one of India’s largest domestic airlines, IndiGo has yet again piqued the attention of aviation geeks across the world with the launch of its much-anticipated business class premium offering called ‘IndiGo Stretch’
IndiGo has always been an all-economy airline since inception, breaking free from the tag of all-economy low-cost carrier, IndiGo is all set to join the elite premium business class offering on the occasion of its 18th anniversary celebrations.
Let us dive into some of the salient features of the new offering
The seats are designed to provide maximum comfort with a pitch of 38 inches and a width of 21.3 inches. The seats also have several features, including:
- Spacious design: Ample legroom
- Flexible tray table: A two-part tray table that can be kept open even when the passenger is standing up
- Storage options: Multiple storage compartments for personal belongings
- Charging facilities: In-seat charging points for electronic devices
The IndiGo Stretch cabin features 12 seats in a 2-2 configuration, offering space and comfort. The 6E cabin will continue to provide 208 seats, maintaining the current seating layout, including XL seats in the middle of the aircraft. The seats are navy blue with a plusher feel and an adjustable headrest.
These improvements aim to elevate the overall travel experience for IndiGo passengers and position the airline as a more competitive player in the domestic market.
The airline will offer business class on its flagship A321neos with 12 business class configuration seats on 12 busiest-business routes connecting major metros in India – Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru, including select flights from Delhi.
IndiGo has signed its long-time partner RECARO to provide A321neo business cabins with the acclaimed R5 seats. These RECARO R5 seats are designed to provide superior comfort and enhanced functionality, boasting a 38-inch pitch and a custom, ergonomic, and lightweight design, Recaro claims. Additionally, the planes will incorporate the RECARO R2 seats in the economy section.
IndiGo has ordered a total of 45 shipsets to facilitate this upgrade, with each A321neo aircraft to include 12 business class seats and 208 in economy class. The delivery of the aircraft is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2024, with the installation of all business class seats anticipated to be complete by the end of 2025.
Excited to continue the partnership with IndiGo, Mark Hiller, chief executive, RECARO Seating says: “We are honored to continue our longstanding partnership with IndiGo, a testament to the trust they place in RECARO to deliver unparalleled comfort and performance through our seating solutions. Tailored to enhance the traveler experience in IndiGo’s new business class cabin, the R5 embodies excellence in ergonomic design while touting sustainability principles.”
The R5 seats are enhanced with custom-designed diamond pattern quilted dress covers and advanced comfort cushions. These seats feature a unique backrest with privacy wings and an oversized center console that provides storage for small items, elevating the comfort for business class passengers on short to medium-haul flights
The airline will open the booking window for its premium offering from August 6, 2024 while commercial flights will commence from November 14, 2024 – all at a minimum fare of INR 18,018 only. The in-flight meals will be catered by Oberoi Hotels.
IndiGo’s journey of last 18 years is nothing short of remarkable and as a gift to its passengers the airline has announced a discount 18% on its flights for the next four days.
The airline will also be launching the customer loyalty programme ‘IndiGo BluChip’ which will go live in September 2024.
