Celebrating its 18th birthday, the now grown-up carrier IndiGo has come of age with the announcement of the launch of its first truly premium product and a frequent flyer program. With these changes, the traditionally low-cost operator, India’s largest carrier, is entering a new phase of its existence, moving from a pure low-cost operation to a hybrid approach.
IndiGo first launched on August 4, 2006. India’s highly competitive aviation sector has seen the demise of several airlines over the past decade – both large and small, full-service and low-cost. But IndiGo has successfully navigated this difficult environment and is now the country’s dominant airline.
With a fleet of well over 300 aircraft, mostly narrow-body Airbus A320 family aircraft, and over 950 aircraft on order, IndiGo has a domestic market share that regularly exceeds 60% and recently announced its sixth consecutive quarter of profits. Currently, IndiGo is the only profitable airline in the country.
Now with 18 seats, the airline is looking to capture a larger share of the premium business travel market and has announced a new product called “IndiGoStretch”, which will see Recaro Aircraft Seating’s R5 reclining seats fitted in a 12-seat cabin on board 45 new A321neo aircraft. Further back, the airline’s XL seats with extra legroom will continue to be offered, as will the standard Economy Class product based on Recaro’s R2 Slimline.
The busiest main routes in India include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The first IndiGo flights with IndiGoStretch are scheduled to begin in November and a total of 12 popular routes will be equipped with the new product by the end of 2025. Starting fares for Mumbai-Delhi were 18,018 rupees (US$240), a nice move on the airline’s 18th birthday.
In addition to this cabin refresh, IndiGo tested a wireless streaming-to-device in-flight entertainment system. The decision to entertain passengers on board will put IndiGo in even stronger competition with Air India and Vistara, which will merge into one airline by the end of the year.
IndiGo stretch seats come with a specially curated vegetarian meal box, a wide selection of beverages and advance seat selection. Priority check-in and anytime boarding are also offered. All meals are cold. IndiGo has no ovens on board its aircraft. The only hot items are tea and coffee.
The in-seat power supply, including universal and USB-C connection, as well as device holders are important features of this premium product. This also applies to the R5’s characteristic privacy wings. Image: IndiGo
As part of its birthday celebrations, the airline also unveiled BluChip, its new frequent flyer program where points are based on spending rather than distance.
Key features include that miles never expire as long as membership is active and award tickets are available up to the last seat on every flight. Members get more BluChips when they book directly with the airline and they qualify for membership tiers immediately – not on a set date or on membership anniversaries – which is a nice option for status hunters. BluChips are “easy to earn, easy to redeem” and guests can redeem them in real time, IndiGo assures.
IndiGo BluChip is touted as “the hassle-free loyalty program for on-time payments.” Image: IndiGo
With these announcements, IndiGo continues its evolution and aims to further dominate the Indian aviation sector. The company also expects to take delivery of extra-long-range A321XLR aircraft next year, with 69 aircraft already on order.
In addition, 30 Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft are planned to be delivered from 2027. The A350 order will help expand IndiGo’s international network to long-haul destinations, but passengers are now naturally curious to know what IndiGo has planned for the A350’s cabin interior.
For Indian passengers seeking a premium experience, IndiGo’s announcements are a welcome addition to a market that will soon have a single full-service carrier with the merger of Air India and Vistara.
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Photo credit: Airbus/FIXON GWLNSOD
