Indian low cost carrier SpiceJet is taking a detour from the tried and trusted no frills business model to offer business class for the first time.
However it will not need to undergo an expensive retrofit of aircraft cabins.
It will use the business class configuration on the grounded jets it has secured from full service carrier Jet Airways.
Spicejet is hoping to induct up to 40 planes from Jet and will begin by offering business class service on the first five Boeing 737s.
The planes’ two-class configuration includes 12 business class seats.
Initially these will be sold as SpiceMax, SpiceJet’s current premium economy service which offers a few extra perks such as extra legroom, a complimentary meal and priority check-in for a premium of about INR1,000 on the economy fare.
It will eventually be branded as Spicejet Business if it proves successful although the airline hasn’t disclosed what the fare differential will be.
"Jet was the largest provider of business class seats in the country. We believe it will be beneficial to do this but it’s an experiment and let’s see how it goes," said Spicejet chairman Ajay Singh.
