Indigo plans to introduce premium class to attract business flyers: Report

India's largest airline Indigo is planning to introduce premium class with roomier seats and perks like hot food to attract Business flyers, reported The Economic Times. As per the report, the airline is also planning for a loyalty programme to compete with its rival Air India to capture international routes.

Dual class configuration in Indigo

Indigo is reportedly planning to ditch its one-size-fits-all model and have its Airbus A321 aircraft in a dual class configuration. The Economc Times report quoted a person aware of the development and said that Cabins in 35 aircraft are likely to be fitted with a premium cabin which will have four rows of seats with two on each side.

“Four rows of extra legroom seating will be installed in those aircraft, providing 36 inches of legroom for guests to stretch out or work comfortably," the person told Economic Times.

Premium Cost

Indigo's legroom or seat pitch currently amounts to an average of 30 inches on its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft with three on each side. The airline is yet to decide the cost of premium. However, The Economic Times report has mentioned that people who pay more will be prioritised during boarding, complimentary in-flight food and greater flexibility to make changes to their itinerary.

Also Read: Pratt & Whitney Engine Fault: Indigo to ground over 30 aircraft in Q4

Indigo has grabbed 60% of the market share aided by its no-frills model to pack more passengers in dense cabins and charging extra for food, priority boarding and seat allocation.

Indigo's International dream

The airline is also aiming to spread its wing internationally. As per The Economic Times, IndiGo’s leadership is now convinced that with a firm leadership position in India’s domestic market, the airline should now use this position to become a leader in international market.

Indigo's CEO Pieter Elbers has initiated a rapid foray on international routes since 2021. The airline is also preparing to fly longer routes by deploying Airbus A321 XLR aircraft which will start joining the fleet from 2025. This will be used in European markets where, the flying time is over seven hours.

The report mentions that those planes will also come with business class seats and have more leg space in economy with 190 seats.