DELHI- India’s largest airline, IndiGo (6E) is set to introduce business class seats on selected aircraft, targeting key domestic and international routes.
Industry sources told CNBCTV18 that business class will be available on 10 to 15 aircraft serving major Indian metro routes.
IndiGo Business Class Routes
Passengers traveling between cities like Delhi (DEL)–Mumbai (BOM), Delhi-Bengaluru (BLR), and Delhi-Chennai (MAA) will soon have the option to upgrade to a premium travel experience.
IndiGo’s international business class service is expected to launch on routes such as Delhi-Dubai (DXB), Delhi-Singapore (SIN), and Delhi-Abu Dhabi (AUH).
Experts suggest that IndiGo may initially price its business class seats lower than competitors like Air India (AI) and Vistara (UK). This strategy could attract passengers seeking premium services without the premium price tag.
Despite the anticipated lower fares, IndiGo will face strong competition from established full-service carriers.
These competitors often offer superior services and amenities, such as chauffeur services, dedicated premium lounges, and enhanced check-in counters, which add significant value for business class passengers, albeit at a higher cost.
Expert Opinion
Industry experts have mixed opinions about IndiGo’s entry into the business-class market.
Some see it as a positive step that showcases the airline’s growth and leadership in the Indian market.
Others warn that while the move is promising, it comes with challenges, particularly in matching the service levels of global full-service airlines.
Record Yearly Profit
The airline reported an annual profit of ₹8,172.5 crore for FY2023-24, compared to a loss of ₹306 crore in the previous fiscal year.
During this, IndiGo said that it will introduce a business class on its busiest routes this year. Details about the product offering, launch date, and specific routes will be revealed around the airline’s 18th anniversary in August.
The airline faced financial difficulties in the first two-quarters of FY23 due to rising fuel costs and currency volatility. However, it has since benefited from a robust post-pandemic recovery in domestic air travel within the world’s third-largest aviation market.
IndiGo has also capitalized on the struggles of its grounded competitor, Go First, which filed for bankruptcy last year. Despite this, it faces competition from new entrants like Akasa Air (QP) and the Tata Group, which has taken over Air India (AI) and is merging it with Vistara (UK).
During the quarter, IndiGo carried 23.6 million passengers, capturing a market share of 60.3 percent. This is an increase from last year when it carried 20.9 million passengers with a market share of 55.7 percent.
The airline’s fleet grew to 367 aircraft by the end of the quarter, up from 358 in the previous quarter. IndiGo operated up to 2,021 daily flights during this period, including non-scheduled flights.
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The post IndiGo to Offer New Business Class on these Domestic and International Routes appeared first on Aviation A2Z.