IndiGo to launch all-new business class, loyalty program next week
The Indian colossus promises a “tailor-made” business class for key routes.
By David Flynn, August 2 2024
India’s largest airline is set to shake off its budget roots and shake up the market with the debut of business class and a frequent flyers scheme next week
Executive Traveller hears the premium play by Indigo will be revealed on August 5, when the airline celebrate its 18th anniversary, with first flights featuring business class to take wing in November on selected routes.
At this stage all that’s known about Indigo business class are the predictable elements of a wider seat with more legroom, along with meals to suit.
IndiGo, which holds a 60.6% domestic market share as of April 2024, plans to “redefine business travel in India” according to CEO Pieter Elbers.
This would be led by the launch of a “tailor-made business product” for a set of key domestic routes which are both busy and business-focused.
“Our premium product will embody the distinct IndiGo essence aligning with our comprehensive strategy,” Elbers promises.
“We believe as India gears up to become the third largest economy in the world, it’s our privilege to provide the New India even more options to choose from as they travel business.”
Elbers also revealed IndiGo’s push for those premium travellers would be accompanied by the debut of an IndiGo loyalty program – another departure from the airline’s long-standing budget roots.
“Considering India’s soaring economy and the evolving aspirations of Indian society, it’s time for IndiGo to redefine premium travel in India,” the airline said in a statement.
India’s business class travel market is today dominated by Air India and Vistara, both owned by the Tata Group.
As previously reported, Air India also has its own new international business class along with first class and premium economy on the way, although reports indicate the US$400m project to refit its Boeing 777 and 787 jets has been pushed back to 2025.
Approached by Executive Traveller, a spokesman for Air India declined to comment on the matter.
In many ways, IndiGo will also seek to reclaim a slice of the market previously held by Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines before each collapsed into bankruptcy.
No doubt laying the groundwork for its move upmarket, IndiGo recently began styling itself as an “affordable” airline rather than a purely low-cost one.
IndiGo is tipped to opt for two-abreast business class recliners on a number of its single-aisle Airbus A320-family jets along with a new fleet of Airbus A321XLR jets from 2025.
Also on the way, albeit in 2027, are the first of 30 Airbus A350 jets – where we can expect to see modern 1-2-1 business class flatbeds – as IndiGo spreads its wings to long-range international destinations.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
25 Jul 2013
Total posts 69
I'm hoping they join Oneworld at some point sooner or later too 🤞
05 Jun 2015
Total posts 6
If the phase 1 of A350's are successful, I think they might be the first to fly Del/Bom/Blr to Akl route
Etihad - Etihad Guest
10 Apr 2019
Total posts 17
I doubt it. I imagine they would be much more focused on Europe, US, Canada, Middle East and Australia. Places with a much higher Indian diaspora. I think flights to India will continue to be one stop through Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong for a fair while.
15 Sep 2012
Total posts 95
Hope business class is priced at about $100 USD per hour above economy fare. Needs to be reasonably priced. Will attract foreign tourists! My family of four will fly several legs if price is reasonable!
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 470
I think the business class 'premium' needs to be a percentage rather than a flat dollar rate, and in AU for example it's a BIG mark-up. Virgin Australia got a good response when it relaunched business class with less of a gap but then they slowly let fares creep up, the old 'boiling the frog' scenario, which seems to have worked for them. I'm just happy to hear this will be a proper 'business class' and not a 'Euro business class' with the same economy seat.
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