IndiGo CEO Bets on ‘Fit-For-Purpose Flying’ and Explains What Went Wrong in December

IndiGo on Thursday started bookings for IndiGo UpFront, a new paid Economy option that gives passengers front-row seats with extra legroom, priority boarding, and faster exit from the aircraft.

The airline has designed UpFront for travelers who want more comfort and convenience but don’t want to pay for business class.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers positioned the product as a clear example of what he calls a “fit-for-purpose” airline. It is his way of moving IndiGo beyond the old debate of whether it is a low-cost or full-service carrier.

According to Elbers, IndiGo now organizes its flights into three broad buckets: domestic, regional, and long-haul flights that are over seven hours. Across these, the airline will offer two cabin types – Economy and Stretch – and five fare products: Saver, Flexi, UpFront, Stretch, and Stretch+.

According to Elbers, “Not every flight needs the same seat, service or cost model.” Short domestic hops will