As part of its 18th anniversary celebrations, IndiGo has launched ‘IndiGoStretch,’ a new business class product aimed at premium flyers. This new offering will be available on 12 of the busiest metro-to-metro routes, starting with the Delhi-Mumbai route. Priced from Rs 18,018, the seats come with curated special meals prepared by The Oberoi’s. CEO Pieter Elbers highlighted the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience and tapping into the growing market of premium travelers.
Competing with Industry Giants
By introducing ‘IndiGoStretch,’ IndiGo enters the competitive business class segment, rivalling Tata Group-owned airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, and Vistara. This strategic move aims to attract a larger share of premium flyers, expanding IndiGo’s market presence beyond its established reputation as a low-cost carrier.
Emotional Milestone for IndiGo
During the announcement, IndiGo’s founder, Rahul Bhatia, shared an emotional reflection on the airline’s journey. He recalled the skepticism faced at the airline’s inception and reaffirmed IndiGo’s mission to provide affordable fares, punctual performance, and excellent service. Bhatia also addressed recent speculations following his sale of a 2 percent stake in InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, IndiGo’s parent company, assuring stakeholders of his continued commitment to the airline.
IndiGo Anniversary Day Sale
In addition to the business class launch, IndiGo has announced an 18% discount on flight bookings as part of its anniversary celebrations. This ‘Happy IndiGo Day Sale’ is valid for bookings made until August 8, 2024, using the code ‘HAPPY18.’ The discount applies to all IndiGo direct flights, both domestic and international, and is valid for travel until March 31, 2025. However, it excludes codeshare flights and applies only to the base fare, excluding airport charges, government taxes, and levies.
Q1 FY25 Financial Performance
IndiGo’s parent company, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, reported a slight decrease in year-on-year profit for Q1 FY25, with a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 2,728.8 crore compared to Rs 3,090.6 crore in the same period last year. Despite the drop in profit, the airline saw a 17.3% increase in revenue from operations, reaching Rs 19,570.7 crore.
Passenger ticket revenues rose by 10% year-on-year to Rs 16,501.9 crore, while ancillary revenues increased by 13.9% to Rs 1,763.4 crore. IndiGo reported a solid margin of around 14%, with total income growing by 18% to Rs 20,250 crore. CEO Pieter Elbers highlighted the airline’s strong operational performance, noting the continued growth and resilience in the face of industry challenges.
Conclusion
IndiGo’s introduction of ‘IndiGoStretch’ and its celebratory discount offer underscore the airline’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Despite financial challenges, IndiGo continues to expand its services and strengthen its market position, reflecting its dedication to being a leading player in the Indian aviation industry. With these strategic initiatives, IndiGo aims to not only celebrate its past achievements but also pave the way for future growth and success.
