Business

India's IndiGo to launch business class

India's top airline IndiGo
 
India's top airline IndiGo
India's top airline IndiGo will introduce business class seats from mid-November on a handful of domestic routes, its CEO said on Monday, marking the no-frills carrier's departure from an all-economy cabin.

IndiGo is looking to tap a growing number of premium flyers at a time when rising incomes have propelled many urban Indians to splurge on expensive cars and luxury apartments.

The airline will launch its business class tickets on a total of 12 routes, starting with Delhi-Mumbai. It will also serve the cities of Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad within a year after the initial launch.'Considering India’s soaring economy and the evolving aspirations of our customers, it's a very natural moment to move in that direction,' CEO Pieter Elbers said at a company event.

IndiGo's business class seats are navy blue with a more plush feel and an adjustable headrest, according to a video presentation made by the company during the event. Passengers will be served 'specially curated' meals by hotelier Oberoi.

IndiGo's business class foray is the latest in a string of strategy pivots, from launching in-flight entertainment on a mobile app to a bet on under-penetrated long-haul travel through its first-ever widebody jet order.

The airline is adding international destinations and is a customer of Airbus' A321 XLR aircraft that can fly directly from India to western Europe.