Indian low-cost airline, IndiGo, has revealed it is planning to launch a ‘tailor made’ business-class product, which will be used on its busiest routes and business traveller-oriented routes.
India’s economy has soared since IndiGo launched in 2006, as indeed have IndiGo’s operations, growing to become the largest airline in India, and indeed one of the largest in the world.
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo said of the decision, “Today – almost 18 years and all grown up – it’s time to take the next step in the evolution of IndiGo. Considering India’s soaring economy and the evolving aspirations of Indian society, it’s time for IndiGo to redefine premium travel in India, increasing availability of this service for the nation. It will create a desired option for many who are aiming to travel business, perhaps for the first time in their lives.
The airline is not sharing further details of the business-class product at present, but it has indicated that it will be operational before the end of this year. More details on the product offering, launch date and routes will be unveiled in August, coinciding with IndiGo’s 18th anniversary.
The cabin interiors contract will represent a lucrative deal. IndiGo is certainly an airline to watch, having placed an order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft at the 2023 Paris Air Show – the biggest single purchase agreement in the history of commercial aviation. This agreement increased the total number of Airbus aircraft on order by IndiGo to 1,330, making it the world’s biggest customer of A320 Family aircraft.
Recaro Aircraft Seating secured the economy-class seating contract for 75 of IndiGo’s brand-new A320neo and A321neo aircraft, for which it is supplying its BL3710 model.
“Over the past 18 years, India’s and IndiGo’s growth story have been closely interlinked. We believe as India gears up to become the third-largest economy in the world, it’s our privilege to provide the New India even more options to choose from as they travel business. We are excited with this new phase and tailor-made product in IndiGo’s evolution and strategy and aim to further give wings to the nation, by connecting people and aspirations,” added Pieter Elbers.
Indigo trials portable IFE
IndiGo has embarked on a three-month trial with AirFi, a portable inflight entertainment (IFE) systems provider, to assess whether it should adopt its wireless steaming technology.
On 1st May, AirFi’s solution was activated onboard IndiGo flights between Delhi and Goa. The wireless IFE portal is available through the IndiGo mobile app under the name ‘HELLO 6E’.
The streaming entertainment component of AirFi’s system is enabled by two content partners – Mumbai-based Shermaroo Contentino and California-based West Entertainment – and will provide access to a library of 200 hours of selected Indian and Hollywood movies, TV shows, music and games.
The platform has also been customised with features unique to IndiGo, including two new airline-branded games provided in conjunction with Dublin-based games developer, Gladi8or.
Passengers will also have access to AirFi’s 3D moving map product, which uses the aircraft’s ADS-B receiver to monitor the flight’s route in real-time and provide accurate location, speed and altitude information at any given point during the journey. The map allows passengers to zoom in and out to get a closer look at geographical features, while providing points of interest around the origin and destination of flights. Younger passengers can take part in a treasure hunt integrated into the moving map.
“IndiGo is where it is today because of the bold choices it makes. They don’t do anything by halves, which is why we’re thrilled to have been chosen for this trial,” commented AirFi’s CEO, Job Heimerikx. “IndiGo is on a journey of continuous digitisation.”
