Airlines

IndiGo Unveils Premium Seating Plans and Loyalty Programme

Airline Loses Passenger’s ₹45,000 Worth of Belongings, Offers Minimal ₹2,450 Compensation

In an effort to attract more business travelers and compete with Air India on international routes, IndiGo, the biggest airline in India, may soon be dropping its one-size-fits-all business model in favor of a premium class with larger seats and benefits like hot food and a loyalty programme.

IndiGo intends to equip 35 Airbus A321 aircraft with a premium cabin featuring eight rows of seats, two on each side, in a dual-class configuration. The report also stated that the finalized prices for these premium seats have not yet been announced.

Eight rows with extra legroom seating will be installed, according report, giving passengers 36 inches of space to spread out or work comfortably. With three seats on each side, IndiGo’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft have an average seat pitch of thirty inches.

According to the report, passengers who pay more will benefit from priority boarding, free in-flight meals, and more freedom to modify their schedule. With a 60% market share in the country, IndiGo has maintained its profitability in an industry where numerous airlines have failed due to overspending. It is currently aiming to take the lead in the international market as well.

In addition, IndiGo is getting ready to launch the Airbus A321 XLR, which will begin arriving in the fleet in 2025, and expand its flight range. With those, the airline hopes to grow into European markets where flights can last up to seven hours.

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Airlines

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

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The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.