IndiGo to Offer Business Class Seats and Launch Loyalty Programme in November

IndiGo will introduce business class seats on select flights across 12 domestic routes starting November 14. The airline, which is celebrating 18 years of operations, also announced a new customer loyalty programme. These initiatives are part of IndiGo's strategy to expand its business and enhance its global presence.

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IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers revealed that bookings for the business class seats will commence on August 6. He mentioned that passengers in business class will enjoy specially curated meals. The A321 Neo planes will feature 12 business class seats arranged in three rows of four seats each, along with 208 economy class seats, making a total of 220 seats per aircraft.

Business Class Introduction

The introductory one-way fare for a business class seat will start at Rs 18,018. Elbers stated that these seats would be available on the busiest routes, beginning with Delhi-Mumbai flights. Currently, Tata Group-owned Air India, Air India Express, and Vistara offer business-class seats.

IndiGo co-founder and Managing Director Rahul Bhatia emphasised that Indian customers deserve more choices. He assured that the airline would ensure this happens while maintaining its structural cost leadership. IndiGo holds a domestic market share of nearly 61% and has around 975 planes on order.

Customer Loyalty Programme

The airline will also launch a customer loyalty programme named IndiGo BluChip, which will go live in September. Pre-registration for the programme began on Monday. This initiative aims to recognise and reward frequent flyers as part of IndiGo's growth towards becoming a global aviation player.

IndiGoStretch is the name given to the airline's new business product. A total of 45 shipsets have been ordered to facilitate this upgrade. Each A321neo aircraft will feature 12 business class seats and 208 economy class seats. Deliveries are expected to start in Q4 2024, with all installations completed by the end of 2025.

Aircraft Features and Future Plans

The new business class seats from RECARO Aircraft Seating will include backrests with privacy wings, an oversized centre console for small item storage, and PC power and USB-C charging outlets. Additionally, IndiGo plans to revamp its website soon.

Elbers also announced that IndiGo would launch flights to seven more international destinations by March 31, 2025. Currently, the airline operates over 2,000 flights daily to more than 120 destinations, including 33 overseas cities. Jaffna in Sri Lanka will be the next international destination added to their network.

The carrier expects to receive A321 XLR planes in 2025 and wide-body A350 aircraft in 2027. These additions are part of IndiGo's broader strategy to enhance its fleet and service offerings.

IndiGo continues to focus on cost leadership while expanding its services and fleet. The introduction of business class seats and a loyalty programme marks a significant shift for the airline as it aims to cater to a broader range of customers and strengthen its position in both domestic and international markets.