DELHI- India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo Airlines (6E) begins flight with its new business class, IndiGo Stretch, with the first flight taking off from Delhi (DEL) to Mumbai (BOM) today (November 14, 2024).
The airline first unveiled its plans to deploy business-class seats on limited aircraft on its 18th anniversary celebrations in August. Aviation A2Z first reported that VT-ICF arrived in India as the first aircraft to be fitted with this new Stretch product.
IndiGo Business Class
The first historic IndiGo Airlines flight 6E6814 departed from Delhi on time at 7:08 AM local time. The flight remained airborne for around one hour and 40 minutes and landed safely at Mumbai Airport at 8:48 AM local time.
Pieter Elbers, the CEO of IndiGo shared his experience who was onboard this first flight along with many aviation enthusiasts. One of our writers and avid spotters, Utkarsh Thakkar was also onboard the flight and he also shared his thoughts.
Let’s hear from the CEO first. Elbers wrote, “IndiGo Means Business”. Yes, the tagline is now imprinted on aircraft that will be fitted with new business-class seats.
IndiGo launched its new business class service, IndiGoStretch, with its first flight today from Delhi to Mumbai.
Pieter highlighted that there are 1,440 minutes in a day and the airline operates 2,200 daily flights. This means more than one flight takes off and lands in a minute.
The launch began with a lamp-lighting ceremony and cake-cutting to mark the occasion, followed by an interactive experience on board with passengers, including aviation enthusiasts.
Elbers stated that ‘Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting IndiGo’s alignment with evolving travel needs in India.’
As IndiGo strengthens its footprint in Indian aviation, it is expanding IndiGoStretch to serve high-traffic metro routes. On an end note, he said,
IndiGoStretch, soon connect our metros – the business and busiest routes in India.
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo Airlines
Also Read IndiGo Airlines Eyes New Narrowbody Order and its Not Airbus A320
Avgeek Review
Utkarsh who goes by Vimanspotter wrote on Instagram, ‘
IndiGo has introduced IndiGo Stretch on its A321neo, providing a premium seating option for travelers seeking extra comfort.
Currently available on the Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi route, with plans for further expansion, IndiGo Stretch aims to bridge the gap between low-cost and full-service business classes. But does it live up to the expectations? Here’s a closer look at what this “LCC business class” offers:
Seat Setup: IndiGo Stretch features 12 seats in a spacious 2×2 layout, designed by Recaro (model R5). The seats don’t recline fully flat like traditional business class, but they provide notable comfort upgrades.
Comfort Features: Seats come with a 38-inch pitch, 21.3-inch width, 5-inch recline, and a 6-way adjustable headrest for added support.
Tech-Friendly Add-ons: Passengers have access to a mobile/tablet holder, a 60W USB-C port, and a 3-pin universal power outlet, supporting productivity and connectivity on the go.
Perks Included: Travelers receive a vegetarian meal box, soft drinks, priority check-in, advance seat selection, anytime boarding, a 30kg checked baggage allowance (split into two pieces), and a 12kg hand baggage limit.
However, some limitations stand out. IndiGo Stretch lacks lounge access, and a footrest, and serves cold meals. These factors raise questions about its competitiveness with the business class offerings of full-service carriers.
Whether IndiGo Stretch justifies the added cost depends on individual priorities, particularly for those valuing convenience and basic comfort over luxury.
He will soon write a full review, so make sure to follow him asap.
What are your thoughts on IndiGo Airlines Business offering? Let us know in the comments on our social media posts.
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