A new option for business travellers in India is due to launch in November, with the launch of IndiGo Stretch business class on IndiGo’s Airbus A321neo fleet. IndiGo is one of the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in the world, but it has identified a commercial case for operating business-class cabins on India’s busiest and business routes, beginning with flights between Delhi and Mumbai.
“With India’s soaring economy and the evolving aspirations of the Indian society, we believe it’s time for IndiGo to redefine business class in India, increasing availability of this service for the nation,” commented Pieter Elbers, chief executive officer of IndiGo.
The IndiGo Stretch business-class cabins on the A321neos will be fitted with 12 seats in a 2-2 configuration at a 38-inch pitch. The airline has chosen the R5 seat from Recaro Aircraft Seating, a recliner previously named the CL4710.
Features of IndiGo’s 21.3 inch-wide R5 seats include a six-way adjustable headrest with neck support, a 5-inch recline function, advanced comfort cushions, a backrest with privacy wings, a wide centre console with storage for small items, an electronic device holder, a 60-watt USB-Type C power supply, and a three-pin universal power outlet. The R5 weighs approximately 27kg per pax place.
45 shipsets of the R5 seats have been ordered by the airline, to be delivered in line with deliveries of the aircraft, which are scheduled to begin in Q4. All installations of the business-class seats are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
IndiGo Stretch customers will also enjoy healthy inflight meal options from Oberoi Catering Services, a choice of beverages, advance seat selection at no additional charge, priority check-in, and anytime boarding.
The aircraft will also be fitted with the Recaro R2 in economy class (a reclining slimline seat previously named the BL3710). 208 R2 economy-class seats will be installed in IndiGo’s A321neos.
Bookings for IndiGo Stretch will open on 6th August 2024, initially for the Delhi-Mumbai route, starting from mid-November at an introductory price of Rs18018. This will be followed by a gradual scale-up and IndiGo Stretch will eventually operate on most of India’s metro-to-metro routes, with all 12 routes expected to be served by the end of 2025, 12 months after introduction.
