India’s major low-cost airline, IndiGo, is embarking on a significant expansion of its international footprint. This will see the introduction of its newly acquired Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft on the popular Delhi-Bangkok route.
The leased widebody Dreamliner will commence operations on the route from 1 March 2025.
This strategic move, part of IndiGo’s broader internationalization plan, addresses the surging demand for air travel and signals a new stage for the airline.
Leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
To meet this growing demand, IndiGo has temporarily leased a Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways. This interim measure allows the airline to expand its long-haul capabilities ahead of the delivery of Airbus XLRs in fiscal year 2026 and A350s in 2027.
More than just adding routes, IndiGo is championing “India by IndiGo,” a commitment to showcasing the best of Indian brands to a global audience. The Delhi-Bangkok flights will feature a unique collaboration with iconic Indian companies, offering passengers an elevated travel experience.
Passengers flying IndiGoStretch, the airline’s premium cabin, will enjoy specially curated meals prepared by the expert chefs of Oberoi Catering Services.
To complement these culinary delights, Sula Vineyards, a renowned Indian wine producer, will provide exclusive beverages. This partnership marks the beginning of IndiGo’s journey to promote India’s diverse and innovative brands on a global stage.
The Indian Aviation Sector Boom
“As India’s aviation sector experiences unprecedented growth, IndiGo is poised to lead this expansion,” stated Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo. “The early induction of our wide-body aircraft is a significant milestone.”
“Starting with Delhi-Bangkok, we plan to transition to European routes by mid-summer. We’re excited to introduce the comfort of IndiGoStretch on our regional international route. This is building on the positive feedback we’ve received domestically.”
Elbers emphasized IndiGo’s commitment to its Indian roots while expanding its global reach. “Our roots and fundamentals are Indian, but increasingly, the world is where we operate. As a proud Indian brand, IndiGo believes in supporting other great Indian brands in their global journey.”
“In line with our promise of ‘India by IndiGo,’ we are committed to partnering with best-in-class Indian brands. These include Oberoi Catering Services, Sula, and others to extend premium services to IndiGoStretch customers.”
787-9 Dreamliner Configuration
Earlier this year, IndiGo entered into a damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for the Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The airline continues to explore opportunities to expand its wide-body fleet.
The Boeing 787-9 boasts a spacious double-aisle design, featuring 56 IndiGoStretch seats in a comfortable 2x3x2 configuration with a generous 43-inch seat pitch. The economy class offers 282 seats in a 3x3x3 configuration, providing a comfortable 31-inch seat pitch for a relaxed journey.
Building on the successful launch of IndiGoStretch on domestic routes in November 2024, the airline is now extending its premium offering to international travelers. Passengers flying IndiGoStretch on the Delhi-Bangkok route will enjoy a range of complimentary benefits, including priority check-in, anytime boarding, advance seat selection, and zero convenience fees. They will also benefit from increased baggage allowances, with 30 kgs in check-in and one bag weighing up to 12 kgs in the cabin.
This expansion signifies IndiGo’s commitment to providing enhanced travel experiences while promoting the excellence of Indian brands on a global scale. The launch of wide-body operations on the Delhi-Bangkok route is just the beginning of IndiGo’s ambitious international growth strategy.
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