Indian carrier IndiGo unveiled some changes to their products today. We’re going to take a look at their new business product – ‘IndiGoStretch’
These seats are the based on Recaro R5, which will be installed on IndiGos A321neo aircraft. These aircraft also feature the Recaro R2 economy class seat installed.
The order from Indigo will cover a total of 45 Shipsets to meet this upgrade, with each A321neo aircraft featuring 12 business class seats and 208 economy class seats. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q4 2024, and all business class installations are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
It marks a milestone for IndiGo as the move to install business class seating on IndiGo’s A321neo fleet for the first time.
The R5 seats feature customised diamond pattern quilted dress covers and advanced comfort cushions. This is paired with a unique backrest with privacy wings and an oversized centre console offering storage for small items. Each seat is also equipped with PC power and USB-C charging outlets, as well as a tablet holder for an enhanced inflight entertainment experience.
The RECARO R5 is pitched with a 38-inch pitch, with six rows on an A321neo in a 2-2 formation.
In Quotes
Dr Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding said:
“We are honored to continue our longstanding partnership with IndiGo, a testament to the trust they place in RECARO to deliver unparalleled comfort and performance through our seating solutions,”
“Tailored to enhance the traveler experience in IndiGo’s new business class cabin, the R5 embodies excellence in ergonomic design while touting sustainability principles.”
Mr. Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo said:
“IndiGo is embarking on an additional new path of its incredible growth story by introducing this year a tailor-made business product on the nation’s busiest and business routes. We are always proud to work with world-class, long standing, partners to deliver a product which really stands out. For our business product, the seat choice for RECARO’s R5 seat is a great fit to deliver our customers such a new experience of business travel in India matching the needs of evolving India and our customers.”
Stepping away from the single aisle-single cabin
With IndiGo celebrating its 18th year of operation, it’s clear the airline is stepping up its passenger experience options – both with a launch of this new seating and a new loyalty product to go with it – indicating they are chasing a much more premium market.
The Recaro R5 seat itself is one we’ve covered, with airlines picking it in both current and previous forms (some will know it by its previous incarnation – the CL4710), with it selected by many carriers (and it customised onwards).
IndiGo have chosen a very much fuller version of the seat, with privacy wings, as well as the usual features of reclining and a pitch that makes it comfortable on the trunk routes these aircraft are expected to fly.
They’ll certainly be a step up from row upon row of economy-class seats.
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