IndiGo, the largest Indian airline, is all ready to introduce its first wide-body plane operations with a daily service from Delhi to Bangkok from March 1, 2025. The carrier has taken a temporary lease of a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from Norse Atlantic Airways to serve the increasing demand for flights.
The Boeing 787-9 has a large double-aisle configuration with a capacity of 338 passengers—56 in IndiGoStretch (premium economy) and 282 in economy class. IndiGoStretch seats provide increased comfort with a 43-inch seat pitch, and economy seats have a 31-inch pitch. Customers can also relish specially designed meals by Oberoi Catering Services and drinks from Sula Vineyards, featuring top Indian brands.
The strategic decision is IndiGo’s entry into wide-body operations, and the airline has scheduled extending operations to Europe in mid-summer 2025. The company is already hiring senior roles in London, Paris, and Amsterdam, which point towards future non-stop flights to these European destinations.
IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “As India’s aviation sector undergoes rapid transformation to keep pace with unprecedented growth in demand for travel, IndiGo is well-positioned to lead this expansion.” The introduction of wide-body aircraft aligns with the airline’s broader internationalization strategy, aiming to enhance connectivity and passenger experience on long-haul routes.