Indian online travel agency Yatra.com reported a 5% quarterly revenue decline Tuesday, a drop CEO Dhruv Shringi attributed to intensifying price competition in the consumer business.
05.08.2024 - 16:19 / skift.com / Peden Doma Bhutia / Pieter Elbers / Indigo Airlines
Indian carrier IndiGo announced on Monday it would be launching business class service for the high-demand Delhi-Mumbai route. The new top-tier cabin is due to start in mid-November.
The airline also unveiled its eagerly awaited loyalty program, IndiGo BluChip, marking its evolution towards becoming a prominent player in the global aviation industry.
In a recent conversation with Skift, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers had said, “Clearly the loyalty program is something that should be part of our building blocks, we’ll reveal more when we have something tangible to announce.”
IndiGo’s decision to introduce a business class service aligns with its wider priorities. The airline’s vision sees it tapping into the growing demands of India’s rapidly evolving economy and its changing consumer expectations. Elbers highlighted the significance of this move, stating, “IndiGo is embarking on a new path of its incredible growth story by introducing a tailor-made business product on the nation’s busiest routes.”
The new business class service, dubbed ‘IndiGoStretch,’ will be characterized by a coupe-style, two-seat wide bay configuration.
The airline’s plan includes gradually expanding IndiGoStretch to cover most metro-to-metro routes, with 12 routes expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
On the topic of a business class product, Elbers earlier told Skift that the airline would stay faithful to the IndiGo brand and that it’s the right time for an “IndiGo-like product” to serve a new wave of Indian air travelers.
With 12 seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration, IndiGoStretch aims to attract both seasoned business travelers and first-time flyers seeking a more comfortable travel experience, the airline said. Each seat will feature a generous pitch of 38 inches and a width of 21.3 inches, complemented by a six-way adjustable headrest for neck support and a 5-inch deep recline for added relaxation.
Modern amenities, including an electronic device holder, a 60-watt USB-Type C power supply, and a three-pin universal power outlet, should cater to the needs of business travelers.
In a departure from its traditional no-frills service, IndiGoStretch customers will enjoy complimentary perks, including a curated meal box from Oberoi Catering Services, a no-convenience fee policy, priority check-in, and advance seat selection at no extra charge.
The airline plans to officially launch ticket sales on Tuesday, offering an introductory fare of INR 18,018 ($215) for the Delhi-Mumbai sector.
The IndiGo BluChip loyalty program is designed to reward frequent flyers and foster customer loyalty, the airline said in a release. Members will earn rewards based on their spending on every flight, offering enhanced travel experiences and
Indian online travel agency Yatra.com reported a 5% quarterly revenue decline Tuesday, a drop CEO Dhruv Shringi attributed to intensifying price competition in the consumer business.
Southeast Asian online hotel management and booking platform RedDoorz has its sights set on IPO – but it has a lot of steps to clear first.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, August 13, and now here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
The coastal Thai city of Pattaya is embarking on an ambitious rebranding effort, aiming to distance itself from its associations with sex tourism and illegal gambling into a destination that appeals to families, while also positioning itself as Thailand’s first casino city.
Expedia Group is “pausing” the rollout of its new One Key loyalty program beyond the U.S. and the UK in part because of the adverse impact on its Hotels.com brand.
As someone who's traveled to over 40 countries, there was one thing I never checked off my travel bucket list: flying business class. I always walked past the lie-flat seats and dreamed one day I would be able to.
There's good news for Star Alliance travelers departing London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) Terminal 2: Two refurbished lounges are opening their doors at the airport.
The much-anticipated Lufthansa Allegris has finally landed and with it a new, potentially era-defining, level of personalization, luxury, and accessibility for airline passengers. Every cabin class has been overhauled as part of this new product, from Economy Class all the way through to its First Class Suite.
I wouldn't be surprised if you've never heard of the airline Beond.
American Express and Avios have teamed up to make Membership Rewards even more rewarding.
Offering business class flights at a fraction of the cost, this airline says it’s creating a new niche in luxury travel.
Starting in 2025, passengers on Turkish Airlines long-haul flights can enjoy a luxurious new business class. Known as Crystal Business Class, the upgraded cabins come with lie-flat seats, sliding doors, and high-tech amenities, putting the Istanbul-based carrier on par with global airlines such as Qatar Airways, Air France, and Lufthansa—all of which have announced or rolled out swanky new lie-flat business-class suites as of late.