IndiGo will deploy widebody Boeing 787 aircraft on Delhi–Bangkok route from March 1 ahead of its planned expansion into Europe in summer.
The airline has wet leased a Boeing 787 from Norwegian airline Norse Atlantic that seats 338 passengers in premium and economy class.
Apart from commercial factors like high demand, route selection seems to be guided by operational reasons too.
Norse Atlantic flies between Oslo and Bangkok. In winter, it will also operate flights from London Gatwick and Stockholm to the Thai capital.
“The early induction of our wide body aircraft marks a significant milestone in our journey. Starting between Delhi and Bangkok, we intend to shift to Europe from mid-summer,” IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said in a statement.
Under a wet lease, the lessor provides pilots and crew along with the aircraft and is responsible for its upkeep.
The Norse Atlantic aircraft has 56 premium seats which IndiGo will market as it’s business class – Stretch product – and 282 economy class seats.
Passengers in the premium cabin will enjoy specially-curated meals by Oberoi Catering Services paired with beverages designed by Sula Vineyards.