The IndiGo Story: Inside the Upstart that Redefined Indian Aviation

by Shelley Vishwajeet

According to its management paper, this cost advantage is created through a combination of factors, including:41 • Aircraft configuration enabling a higher number of seats per aircraft. • Higher load factor and aircraft utilization driven by its point-to-point model. • Younger and advantaged fleet deal reducing ownership and maintenance costs.

The three pillars on which IndiGo was built and continues to adhere to are: (i) On-time performance (ii) Low-cost connectivity (iii) High-service standard

Eleven Life and Business Lessons from IndiGo 1. Dare to dream—and dream big. 2. One can succeed and succeed big the ethical way. 3. A partnership can work if it is a partnership of shared vision and shared values—not if it is just a partnership of convenience and connivance. 4. Ultimately, a business has to be run on sound business principles to succeed. 5. PR and gimmickry is no substitute for real performance. 6. A start-up, despite a great idea and market potential, has to do its homework meticulously. 7. Think ahead to remain ahead of the competition! Think like a chess grandmaster—a grandmaster visualizes at least ten forward moves. The current world champion Magnus Carlsen can think up to twenty forward moves. 8. Be the game changer if you can be. 9. Strike like a panther when opportunity strikes. 10. Empowerment of people is key—one can’t be everyone and everything. 11. Providence plays its own role, but don’t centre your business strategy around it.