New Delhi: After flying for nearly 18 years, the country's largest airline IndiGo on Thursday announced it will introduce business class in select routes this year, as the carrier seeks to provide more options for passengers amid rising economic growth. The airline will launch a "tailor-made business product", the details of which will be unveiled around August that will also mark the 18th anniversary of the carrier.
The latest announcement also comes less than a month after the profitable carrier said it would buy 30 wide-body aircraft. "In a groundbreaking move to redefine business travel in India, IndiGo, India's most preferred airline, announces the plan to launch a tailor-made business product for India's busiest and business routes," IndiGo said in a statement.
Currently, the airline only has economy class. It has a fleet of more than 360 aircraft and operates around 2,000 flights daily. Emphasising that it is time to take the next step in its evolution, IndiGo said that considering India's soaring economy and the evolving aspirations of Indian society, it is time for IndiGo to redefine premium travel in India, increasing the 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 statement said. "This product will be available on the busiest, and business routes of the nation and will be operational before the end of this year. Coming August, around IndiGo's anniversary, more details on product offering, launch date and routes will be unveiled," it added.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said the airline is constantly looking at innovating service offerings. "Over the past 18 years, India's and IndiGo's growth stories have been closely interlinked. We believe as India gears up to become the third largest economy in the world, it is our privilege to provide the New India even more options to choose from as they travel business," he added.
While referring to the proposed introduction of business, Elbers, during the conference call to discuss the results, said the airline is taking the next step in its evolution. "We will be launching a tailor-made business product on the busiest routes and business routes of the country before the end of this year. There is an ever-growing need for premium travel in India and by launching this new product, we will create a desired option for many who are aiming to travel business, and perhaps for the first time in their lives," he said.
