Airlines

IndiGo Unveils Premium Seating Plans and Loyalty Programme

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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

A 17-yr boy was arrested for making a hoax bomb threat, causing multiple flight diversions and delays.

Mumbai police have detained a 17-year-old boy from Chhattisgarh who allegedly issued bomb threats to multiple international flights via social media. According to the police, the minor made the threats to settle a financial dispute by framing another person.

The incident began on Monday night when a New York-bound Air India flight, originally departing from Mumbai, had to be diverted to New Delhi after receiving a bomb threat. The flight was later rescheduled. That same evening, two other international flights operated by IndiGo, heading to Jeddah and Muscat, also received similar threats, causing delays of several hours.

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The investigation revealed that all three threats originated from posts made by the minor from Chhattisgarh, leading to his detention. He was subsequently handed over to the local Juvenile Justice Board. The Mumbai police found that the boy had used the name and picture of another individual, also from Chhattisgarh, to create a fake social media account and issue the threats. The intention, according to the police, was to frame the other person and settle a score over a financial disagreement.

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The situation escalated on Tuesday, when a total of seven flights, including one bound for the United States, received similar threats through a social media handle. Security agencies initiated counter-terrorist drills at various airports to ensure safety. Further investigation into the minor’s actions and motivations is ongoing.