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.
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