IndiGo plans to expand international reach, enhance cargo operations
IndiGo plans to significantly expand its international reach and enhance its cargo operations in the coming years as part of a broader strategy to position India's largest airline as a leading global airline by 2030, chief executive Pieter Elbers said.
Speaking exclusively to ET, Elbers said the airline plans to grow its international destinations to 40 from 20 by the end of the current financial year through March 2025, targeting emerging markets that are not yet well-travelled by Indian passengers.
He did not comment on specific destinations, but sources suggest that new routes could include Mauritius and Al Ain.
Alongside, IndiGo aims to significantly increase its cargo capabilities and introduce wide-body aircraft starting in 2027.
Elbers, who has completed two years at IndiGo, said besides internationalisation, the low-cost carrier's strategy focuses on two main pillars: launching a new business class product called 'Stretch' on major domestic routes by the end of the current fiscal year; and introducing a frequent flyer programme to reward loyal customers, which has received interest from «ten thousands of passengers.»
The airline's internationalisation efforts extend beyond simply adding new destinations. IndiGo has entered into codeshare agreements with global carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, Air France, KLM, and Qantas.
«While these partnerships currently represent a small portion of our daily 300,000 passengers across our domestic and international network, they are vital for introducing foreign
