Deluxe Club Seating allows for passengers to sit two-by-two facing each other, perfect for families traveling with small children.
India’s low-cost carrier SpiceJet has entered into a strategic partnership with US aerospace manufacturer Natilus, marking a significant step towards the introduction of next-generation aircraft in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
The collaboration supports Natilus’s expansion into India and centres on the certification of HORIZON, a blended-wing-body (BWB) passenger aircraft designed to improve efficiency, reduce emissions and rethink conventional aircraft design. Once certified by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), SpiceJet plans to purchase 100 aircraft, signalling confidence in the platform’s long-term potential.
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SpiceJet will be Natilus’s first HORIZON customer in India.
Domestic air travel in India continues to grow at pace, rising more than 10 per cent year-on-year, with demand projected to require over 2,200 new aircraft by 2040. Natilus sees India as a key market for scaling its aircraft programme and has established Natilus India, a new subsidiary headquartered in Mumbai and led by Ravi Bhatia, Regional Director. The company will support in-country operations and explore opportunities for sourcing aircraft components from Indian manufacturers.
At the heart of the partnership is HORIZON, a 240-passenger blended-wing aircraft that merges the fuselage and wings into a single aerodynamic structure. Unlike traditional tube-and-wing designs, the BWB configuration enables significant gains in efficiency. According to Natilus, HORIZON offers 40 per cent more interior space, while reducing fuel consumption by 30 per cent, carbon emissions by 50 per cent, and operating costs by up to 50 per cent. Importantly, the aircraft is designed to be compatible with existing airport infrastructure, easing the path to adoption.
The HORIZON will be equipped with three video conference pods, designed to be Wi-Fi-enabled and compatible with both video and phone calls to create a ‘work-from-sky’ experience.
“In line with our commitment to innovation and sustainability, SpiceJet is proud to support the development of this next-generation aircraft,” said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet. “Once certified, HORIZON could be a strong fit for our future fleet.”
Founded in 2016, Natilus is pursuing FAA Part 25 certification for HORIZON while working in parallel with Indian regulators. The company’s commercial order book currently exceeds 570 aircraft, reflecting growing interest from global airlines and lessors. Ahead of HORIZON’s expected entry into service in the early 2030s, Natilus plans to launch its KONA cargo aircraft later this decade.
As airlines face mounting pressure to decarbonise, the SpiceJet–Natilus partnership highlights a broader shift towards transformative aircraft design, positioning India at the forefront of next-generation aviation.
