Tag Archives: A321NEO

IndiGo to launch Business Class & loyalty programme

IndiGo is set to introduce 12 business class seats on metro-to-metro routes starting mid-November, marking a significant shift for the airline known for its consistency and simplicity.

This move, part of IndiGo’s strategy to expand its global footprint, coincides with the announcement of a new loyalty programme and the airline’s 18th anniversary celebration.

The new business class seats, featuring adjustable headrests and a five-inch recline, will be installed on Airbus A321Neo aircraft operating on twelve high-traffic metro routes. Passengers will also benefit from a specially curated meal box, priority check-in, and other premium services.

IndiGo, currently operating 2,000 daily flights with over 380 aircraft to 121 destinations worldwide, plans to add seven foreign destinations by the end of the fiscal year. The airline will induct Airbus A321XLR aircraft, enabling flights to Europe, Japan, and other medium-haul markets. CEO Pieter Elbers highlighted that 65% of the world’s population is within a 5-6 hour flight from India, emphasizing the airline’s international growth potential.

The introduction of business class aims to attract corporate travelers within India.

Rahul Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director, IndiGo, stated, “Indian consumers deserve choice and IndiGo will ensure that it happens.” By expanding its international operations, IndiGo aims to capture market share from foreign airlines.

Bhatia also addressed investor speculation following a recent promoter stake sale, affirming, “InterGlobe and I are here to stay.” He welcomed competition in the Indian aviation market, stating, “A country of India’s size can support more carriers,” and emphasised IndiGo’s commitment to maintaining low costs and affordable fares.

IndiGo’s business model remains focused on cost leadership while introducing new products like business class. “Our business is to keep costs low, provide affordable fares, fill up planes, buy new planes, and keep the cycle going,” Bhatia concluded.

Vistara Clinches Coveted ‘Ch-Aviation World’s 4th Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award 2024’

Also receives ‘ch-aviation Asia’s 2nd Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award 2024’

Vistara, the full-service carrier in India and a collaborative venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has achieved two prestigious awards at the ‘ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Awards 2024.’ These awards include the “ch-aviation World’s 4th Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award 2024” and the “ch-aviation Asia’s 2nd Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award 2024.”

It is noteworthy that Vistara has consistently earned recognition for possessing the third youngest aircraft fleet in Asia over the past two years. The awards are determined by ch-aviation, a Switzerland-based airline intelligence provider and research company, renowned for maintaining extensive databases of aircraft, their operators, and owners globally.

Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, “We are delighted to receive these accolades at the ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Awards 2024 – securing a position in the World’s Top Five for the first time and advancing to the second position in Asia. They are an acknowledgement of our continued investment in maintaining a young and modern fleet with the objective of keeping our CO2 emissions at their lowest. We thank ch-aviation for recognizing our efforts.

Thomas Jaeger, CEO, ch-aviation, said “ch-aviation established the Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award to revere airlines worldwide who understand the value and necessity of investing in their fleets, introducing new-generation aircraft that considerably reduce CO2 emissions in the aviation industry and improve fuel economy. Sustainability represents a significant challenge and will continue to require giant leaps forward for the aviation industry. Hence, ch-aviation has decided to honour them with this award that celebrates their effort. It is essential to say that this Award is entirely based on non-manipulable fleet data. There is no jury or any other subjective parameter involved.”

Vistara’s current fleet, with an average age of 2.94 years, consists of A320NEO, A321NEO, and B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, all powered by cutting-edge technologies and advanced systems that result in reduction in engine noise as well as nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions.

In March 2023, Vistara achieved an important milestone of operating a wide-body aircraft for a long-haul international flight using a 30% SAF blend, reducing 150,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. Extending this success, Vistara also operated a commercial domestic flight on a wide-body aircraft using SAF, another industry-first initiative. This flight, utilizing a blend of 17% SAF and 83% conventional jet fuel, resulted in a reduction of approximately 10,000 pounds of CO₂ emissions. Vistara also became the first airline in India to implement Aerowash, an automated aircraft exterior washing and cleaning solution. Furthermore, Vistara deployed SITA eWAS and SITA OptiClimb® solutions for optimising flight planning and operations, aiming for a yearly reduction of 15,000 tons of carbon emissions.