Long-Haul Strategy: A Calculated Expansion

It had been shared that a significant strategic decision was taken to expand international operations through the leasing of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, forming part of a broader plan to enter long-haul travel. The use of wide-body aircraft was seen as a response to India’s rapidly increasing demand for intercontinental air travel, with an aim to offer a mid-tier experience that straddled the line between low-cost pricing and full-service amenities.

The airline had confirmed that it secured four Boeing 787-9s through damp leases, and at least one was already operational on the Mumbai–Bangkok route. This setup was expected to continue until the anticipated delivery of Airbus A321XLRs later in 2025, followed by Airbus A350-900s starting in 2027. The strategy emphasized filling a significant market gap, especially for routes where Indian carriers had limited presence in the past.

The executive leadership had also stated that while long-haul expansion would be methodical, ultra-long-haul services would not be considered immediately. The focus would remain on building a stable and cost-efficient network that matches the carrier’s existing domestic success.

What to Expect Onboard?

Travelers had been informed that onboard service would reflect an upgraded experience compared to the typical low-cost setup. The Dreamliners were designed with 338 total seats:

• 56 IndiGoStretch (premium hybrid class)
• 282 Economy

IndiGoStretch, modeled as a middle-tier between economy and business class, would offer passengers:

• 43-inch seat pitch
• Enhanced recline
• A 2x3x2 configuration

Standard Economy would offer:

• 31-inch seat pitch
• 3x3x3 configuration

In an important shift, all passengers would receive complimentary hot meals. IndiGoStretch customers would additionally enjoy alcoholic beverages, while Economy travelers would receive non-alcoholic drinks with an option to purchase alcohol. Vegetarian meals would be standard, though non-vegetarian options could be pre-selected during booking.

New Intercontinental Routes

Travelers had been made aware that starting July 1, the airline would commence its first long-haul service between Mumbai and Manchester, followed by a second route to Amsterdam on July 2. These would mark the carrier’s first-ever non-stop intercontinental flights, utilizing the newly leased Dreamliners.

These connections were being launched to satisfy the rising demand for direct travel between India and Europe, a market segment that had seen sustained growth, particularly for business, leisure, and educational purposes. Both Manchester and Amsterdam were recognized as key diaspora and economic hubs, making them logical starting points for expansion.

Of particular note, the Mumbai–Manchester route would make the airline the only carrier offering nonstop service between the two cities. This milestone was expected to significantly ease travel for the Indian community in Northern England, which includes around half a million residents of Indian origin.

Connectivity and Domestic Integration

Industry observers highlighted that one of the primary strengths of this initiative was its synergy with an already robust domestic network, connecting over 90 Indian cities. European travelers arriving in Mumbai could seamlessly access a wide array of regional destinations within India.

This move was expected to unlock new travel flows by linking European and Indian air corridors more efficiently, while also presenting India as an easily accessible and cost-effective travel option for inbound international tourists. In addition, upcoming cultural events like the England vs India Test series in summer 2025 were likely to benefit from improved flight availability, attracting both cricket fans and tourism revenue.

Global Impact on Travelers and the Industry

The launch of these non-stop, affordable long-haul flights was likely to disrupt the global travel ecosystem, particularly for:

• Indian diaspora communities in Europe
• Budget-conscious international travelers
• Foreign students studying in Indian and European universities
• Business professionals seeking efficient India-Europe routes

For the global airline industry, the implications were significant. It signaled a shift in how low-cost carriers might begin to enter long-haul markets by offering hybrid services that don’t compromise completely on comfort. It also reasserted India’s position as a major international travel origin and destination, giving domestic carriers a larger share of intercontinental travel markets historically dominated by foreign airlines.

Looking Ahead The broader vision, it was indicated, was not merely to serve as a point-to-point carrier but to become a comprehensive international player, gradually building a sustainable

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