IndiGo, a budget airline, aims to capitalize on premium travelers as well. India's largest airline will begin offering business class seats on twelve domestic flights in mid-November, marking a shift from its all-economy cabin. IndiGo is attempting to attract an increasing number of premium fliers at a time when rising wages have prompted many urban Indians to spend lavishly on pricey automobiles and fancy residences.

The company will accept business class bookings on August 6 for travel beginning November 14, with prices starting at Rs 18,018. IndiGo will also establish the "Bluchip" loyalty program, which will begin in September. The airline will offer business class tickets on 12 flights, beginning with Delhi-Mumbai. It will also service Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad within a year of its first debut.

Oberoi Hotel will give passengers "specially curated" meals. IndiGo's business class chairs are navy blue with a more plush feel and an adjustable headrest, according to a video presentation given by the firm during the occasion. IndiGo's business class expansion is the latest in a series of strategic shifts, including the provision of in-flight entertainment via a mobile app and a gamble on underserved long-haul travel with its first-ever widebody aircraft order.

"Considering India's soaring economy and the evolving aspirations of our customers, it's a very natural moment to move in that direction," CEO Pieter Elbers said at a corporate event.

The airline is expanding its foreign routes and is a client of Airbus' A321 XLR aircraft, which can fly directly from India to Western Europe. The IndiGo business class seat will be provided by Recaro, which is already a seat supplier to IndiGo.

The key elements of the new chairs are:

• The R5 seat's 38-inch pitch provides plenty of legroom  

• Flexible tray table: The two-part tray table may be left open even while the passenger is standing up, allowing for uninterrupted work or device use.   

• Storage options: A number of storage sections give room for personal items.Charging facilities: Electronic gadgets will have access to in-seat charging ports.

With these enhancements, travelers on IndiGo want to have a better overall travel experience and see the airline become a more formidable competitor in the home market. In addition to announcing a discount of up to 18% off on flights, IndiGo is celebrating its eighteenth anniversary on August 7. The promotion is good for the next four days, beginning on August 5.

"Happy IndiGo Day Sale! Up to 18% off on flights is available to all IndiGo customers." Offer valid through August 8, 2024. The airline advised using the code "HAPPY18."