+
IndiGo plans premium class makeover
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

IndiGo plans premium class makeover

IndiGo, India's largest airline, is considering a departure from its one-size-fits-all approach by introducing a premium class on its Airbus A321 aircraft. The plan, set to be implemented by the end of the next year, involves configuring 35 aircraft with a dual-class setup. The premium cabin will feature four rows of spacious seats, accommodating two on each side and providing 36 inches of legroom. IndiGo aims to attract more business travellers and compete with Air India on international routes through this strategic move.

Currently, IndiGo's seat pitch averages 30 inches on its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, employing a no-frills model that prioritizes cost efficiency and extra charges for amenities. However, with a dominant position in India's domestic market, the airline's leadership, including CEO Pieter Elbers, believes it's time to leverage this strength to become a leader in the international market.

Passengers opting for the premium seats will enjoy benefits such as priority boarding, complimentary in-flight meals, and increased flexibility in changing their travel plans. The airline has not disclosed the additional cost for these premium seats.

IndiGo's CEO, Elbers, who assumed the position in 2021, is driving the airline's international expansion, aided by directors like Greg Sarestky, known for transforming Canada's WestJet into a hybrid airline. The introduction of Airbus A321 XLR aircraft from 2025 will further enable IndiGo to fly longer routes, particularly to European markets with over seven hours of flying time. These planes will feature business class seats and enhanced legroom in the economy section.

While the move to introduce a premium section aims to attract high-yielding customers lost to competitors like Air India and Vistara, some investors and industry experts caution against overestimating the demand for premium traffic. Maintaining IndiGo's superior low-cost model will be crucial to avoid potential pitfalls associated with hybridization. Aviation consultancy firm CAPA has issued a warning, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in balancing premium offerings with the airline's successful cost-effective approach.

IndiGo, India's largest airline, is considering a departure from its one-size-fits-all approach by introducing a premium class on its Airbus A321 aircraft. The plan, set to be implemented by the end of the next year, involves configuring 35 aircraft with a dual-class setup. The premium cabin will feature four rows of spacious seats, accommodating two on each side and providing 36 inches of legroom. IndiGo aims to attract more business travellers and compete with Air India on international routes through this strategic move. Currently, IndiGo's seat pitch averages 30 inches on its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, employing a no-frills model that prioritizes cost efficiency and extra charges for amenities. However, with a dominant position in India's domestic market, the airline's leadership, including CEO Pieter Elbers, believes it's time to leverage this strength to become a leader in the international market. Passengers opting for the premium seats will enjoy benefits such as priority boarding, complimentary in-flight meals, and increased flexibility in changing their travel plans. The airline has not disclosed the additional cost for these premium seats. IndiGo's CEO, Elbers, who assumed the position in 2021, is driving the airline's international expansion, aided by directors like Greg Sarestky, known for transforming Canada's WestJet into a hybrid airline. The introduction of Airbus A321 XLR aircraft from 2025 will further enable IndiGo to fly longer routes, particularly to European markets with over seven hours of flying time. These planes will feature business class seats and enhanced legroom in the economy section. While the move to introduce a premium section aims to attract high-yielding customers lost to competitors like Air India and Vistara, some investors and industry experts caution against overestimating the demand for premium traffic. Maintaining IndiGo's superior low-cost model will be crucial to avoid potential pitfalls associated with hybridization. Aviation consultancy firm CAPA has issued a warning, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in balancing premium offerings with the airline's successful cost-effective approach.

Next Story
Real Estate

Heena Lalwani Buys Rs 1.13 Billion Juhu Apartment

Heena Lalwani, promoter of Aatman Innovations Private Limited, has purchased a luxury apartment worth Rs 1.13 billion in Mumbai’s upscale Juhu locality, according to property registration documents accessed by Zapkey.com.The 9,862 sq ft apartment, located on the 10th floor of Lodha Developers’ Avalon Tower, was acquired at Rs 115,000 per sq ft and comes with five car parking spaces. The deal, registered on 18 August 2025, also included the payment of Rs 68 million in stamp duty and a Rs 30,000 registration fee.Lodha Developers did not respond to queries regarding the transaction, while the..

Next Story
Real Estate

Godrej Buys KPHB Land for Rs 7 Billion in E-Auction

An acre of prime land in Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB), Hyderabad, was auctioned for Rs 7 billion, with the Telangana Housing Board generating Rs 5.47 billion from the sale of 7.8 acres through e-auction on 20 August 2025.The auction notification was issued last month, attracting bids from Godrej Properties, Aurobindo Realty, Prestige Estates, and Ashoka Builders, according to Board vice-chairman V.P. Gautham. With an offset price of Rs 4 billion per acre, the three-hour auction saw 46 bid increases, before Godrej Properties acquired the land.Revenue generated from the auction will be utilis..

Next Story
Real Estate

HMDA to Auction 93 Prime Plots in September

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is preparing to conduct a three-day auction of prime open plots across Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts this September.According to official reports, the e-auction will take place on 17, 18, and 19 September, offering 93 plots. Of these, 70 are located in the Bachupally HMDA layout, with the remainder spread across Turkayamjal, Kokapet, Poppalguda, Chandanagar, Bairagiguda, Gandi Maisamma, Suraram, Medipally, and Bachupally village.The highest upset price has been fixed at Rs 175,000 per square yard for a land parce..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?