IndiGo’s recent announcement of the launch of business class and loyalty program has fuelled discussions on the emerging landscape of corporate travel in India. As the airline gears up to cater to the needs of premium travellers, key industry stakeholders have shared important insights about the importance of business travel in the country’s growing aviation sector.
Speaking about the announcement, Aloke Bajpai, Chairman, Managing Director and Group CEO, ixigo said, “The launch of IndiGo Business Class (IndiGo Stretch) is timely as the disposable income and aspirations of travellers in our country are rising, and a large segment of travellers is emerging who are willing to pay a premium for priority services, comfortable and reclining seats along with delicious food.”
India’s position as an emerging force in the global business travel market was underlined by Sunny Sodhi, Managing Director, India, FCM Travel, who highlighted that, “India will soon become the seventh largest business travel market in the world, and the aviation boom in India is certainly supporting the growth in business travel.” He also noted the significant capacity addition in the country, with domestic flights operating at 110 per cent and international flights at 119 per cent compared to 2019.
Emphasising on the essential nature of corporate travel, Sodhi said, “Corporate travel remains a critical aspect for businesses as they seek to survive, thrive and grow at home and abroad – there is no doubt that businesses view travel as a non-discretionary expense.” He informed that FCM Travel India witnessed a good growth in bookings during the April-June quarter, indicating a strong comeback in business travel as compared to the same period last year.
On this occasion, IndiGo founder Rahul Bhatia discussed the airline’s remarkable journey from inception to becoming the world’s seventh largest airline. He highlighted IndiGo’s commitment to cost leadership, quality and customer satisfaction as well as its ambitious expansion plans. He also emphasized the importance of complexity in IndiGo’s offerings while maintaining structural cost leadership.
This surge in capacity has had a positive impact on air fares, with Sodhi noting a 23 per cent drop in average air fares for the April-June quarter this year compared to 2019. He attributed this to increased competition and a higher number of flights and seats available, benefiting travellers and businesses alike. In the context of IndiGo’s new business class offering, Sodhi’s insights underline the importance of a well-rounded corporate travel programme. “With our blended approach of people and innovative technology, travellers look for choice in what we offer, providing a wide range of airline and hotel options for their itinerary,” he said, highlighting the need for flexibility and choice in corporate travel services.
As IndiGo enters the business class segment, the airline’s move is in line with the broader trend to meet the growing demand for premium travel experiences in India’s fast-growing aviation market.
