Tag Archives: SpiceJet

SpiceJet to re-induct first grounded 737 MAX into service

SpiceJet is set to re-induct its first ungrounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into operations starting January 29, 2025. Grounded for several months, the aircraft’s return marks a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet restoration and operational enhancement efforts.

To facilitate the restoration of its MAX fleet, SpiceJet recently entered into services agreements with StandardAero Inc., a leading US-based engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, and CFM International, Inc., the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for LEAP-1B engines.

Under its ongoing fleet restoration plan, the airline aims to bring ten aircraft, including four Boeing 737 MAX planes, back into service by mid-April 2025 and this is the first 737 MAX aircraft to be brought back under the exercise.

The addition of the MAX aircraft will enable SpiceJet to operate to high-demand markets such as Jeddah and Riyadh without any operational restrictions. The induction of these fuel-efficient planes will result in significant cost savings due to the MAX’s reduced fuel consumption, lower maintenance requirements, and higher aircraft utilization, all of which will contribute to further optimizing the airline’s operations.

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, “The re-induction of our first grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is a moment of immense pride and an important milestone for SpiceJet. It underscores our unwavering commitment to restoring and enhancing our fleet’s operational capacity. As we move forward, we remain focused on scaling new heights, offering exceptional service, and driving sustainable growth for our passengers and stakeholders.”

Since October 2024, SpiceJet has added ten aircraft to its fleet, comprising three previously grounded planes and seven newly leased aircraft. This has enabled the airline to expand its network with over 60 new flights introduced in the last three months, further enhancing connectivity and offering passengers more travel options.

SpiceJet to unground 10 aircraft by April 2025

 

SpiceJet is set to unground 10 aircraft, including four Boeing 737 MAX planes, by mid-April 2025. This move aims to strengthen its network and operational capabilities, significantly increasing its current fleet size of 28 aircraft.

Since October 2024, SpiceJet has added 10 planes to its fleet, including three previously grounded aircraft brought back into service and seven inducted on lease. Despite some aircraft being redelivered to lessors during this period, the airline’s efforts have bolstered its fleet expansion and service capabilities.

Over the past three months, SpiceJet’s network expansion strategy has added more than 60 new flights, enhancing connectivity and service options for passengers.

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet, stated, “Our plan to bring 10 aircraft back into service by mid-April reflects SpiceJet’s unwavering commitment to growth and operational excellence. We remain focused on providing reliable and affordable air travel to millions of Indians.”

In a key development, SpiceJet signed an agreement with StandardAero Inc., a US-based engine MRO, for restoring its grounded MAX fleet. This agreement builds on successful partnerships with CFM International, Inc., the OEM for LEAP-1B engines, and a key lessor, enabling the return of three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to service.

Over the past two months, SpiceJet has resolved disputes with several major lessors and partners, including Export Development Canada, Engine Lease Finance Corporation, and Aircastle (Ireland). These efforts underscore the airline’s commitment to operational stability and growth.

India is termed as the fastest growing aviation market.

‘Airlines in India induct over 12.6% planes more in 2024’

Indian airlines inducted around 12.6% more aircraft in 2024 in comparison to the previous year, according to data from fleet tracking website Planespotter.

In 2023, scheduled Indian operators (including former airlines like Go First and Vistara) inducted 112 aircraft in their fleet against 81 added in 2022, which was an increase of 38%.

In 2024, Indian airlines added 134 aircraft to their fleets compared to 119 the year before, data on the website showed on Tuesday. Of the 134 planes, full-service carrier Air India inducted 24 aircraft, including five A350s. Air India Express, the airline’s low-cost arm, introduced 18 new aircraft.

The fleet tracking website revealed that India’s largest airline by market share, IndiGo, inducted 75 aircraft as compared to 63 in 2023. To be sure, these aircraft include the ones inducted to replace aircraft which had completed their lease period and gone back to the lessors as well as those inducted to overcome the issue of grounded aircraft due to the engine issues.

SpiceJet, the airline that struggled with severe debt, also added aircraft. In 2023, scheduled Indian operators (including former airlines like Go First and Vistara) inducted 112 aircraft in their fleet against 81 added in 2022, which was an increase of 38%.

Taking into account the 21 wet/damp lease aircraft, the total induction of aircraft stood at 133 in 2023 as against the corresponding figure of 88 in the previous year.

SpiceJet plans revival with grounded fleet and new deliveries

 

Budget carrier SpiceJet Ltd. has announced plans to operationalise 30 grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft within the next 12-15 months, addressing issues related to payment defaults and component shortages. The airline also aims to restart delivery talks with Boeing for pending aircraft, part of a 2017 order for 200 B737 MAX planes.

Speaking at the company’s annual general meeting, Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, highlighted the airline’s target of growing its fleet to 100 aircraft by the end of 2026, up from the current 28 operational planes. Singh emphasised the need for more airlines in India to prevent the aviation market from becoming a duopoly dominated by IndiGo and Air India.

Experts have welcomed the announcement. Sanjay Lazar, CEO, Avialaz Consultants, called it a bold step in India’s constrained aviation market. He noted that ungrounding planes and accelerating Boeing deliveries could expand SpiceJet’s capacity, increase flight frequencies, and lower airfares in demand-heavy sectors. Lazar also stressed the importance of improving on-time performance (OTP) and passenger services to rebuild consumer trust.

Earlier this year, SpiceJet raised INR 3,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement to fund its revival plans. The airline operates 147 daily flights across 38 domestic and 3 international destinations, with a mixed fleet of Boeing, Q400, and wet-leased aircraft. Three Boeing 737 MAX planes are expected to rejoin its fleet by April 2025, under an agreement with US-based StandardAero Inc.

Kolkata Airport is one of the key metro airports in India.

Kolkata Airport introduces self-baggage drop for faster check-in

Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has rolled out self-baggage drop kiosks, enhancing convenience and streamlining the travel experience for passengers. This state-of-the-art service aims to reduce wait times at check-in counters and improve operational efficiency.

Passengers flying from Kolkata can now bypass traditional counters and manage their own baggage check-in. After completing the check-in process—either online or at the airport kiosks—they can use the self-baggage drop system to tag and deposit their luggage independently.

How It Works:
Check-In: Travellers must complete their check-in online or via airport kiosks.
Tag Luggage: Baggage tags can be printed at kiosks and securely attached to luggage.
Self-Drop: After placing luggage on the kiosk conveyor belt, passengers scan their boarding pass for verification.
Confirmation: The system automatically weighs the bag, ensures compliance with airline regulations, and confirms the drop.
The service is integrated with several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, making it accessible to a majority of flyers.

Benefits for Travellers:
Reduced Waiting Times: The self-service option minimizes queues at check-in counters.
User-Friendly Design: Even first-time users can easily navigate the process with assistance available on-site.
24/7 Availability: The kiosks remain operational around the clock, catering to flights at any time of the day.
This initiative reflects Kolkata Airport’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology to enhance passenger convenience. Officials believe the self-baggage drop system will contribute significantly to easing congestion during peak travel hours.

Passengers are encouraged to check with their respective airlines for eligibility and guidelines related to the self-baggage drop service.

South African Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille

South Africa to register 23 Indian tour operators for group visas under TTO scheme by month end

 

South African Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille while addressing the press in Mumbai at The Trident today during her week-long visit to India, announced a slew of changes in the visa process for Indian nationals.

She said, “We have undertaken a range of measures to ease visa processing for Indian nationals, removing the additional and unnecessary paperwork. India is a key source market for South Africa, and our aim is to grow visitations from India,” she said.

The Rainbow Nation has unveiled the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to establish a symbiotic relationship with tour operators for processing group visa applications from India. Under this facility, in the first phase 23 tour operators from India will be registered by the end of the month, with the round two selection slated for February 2025. This will reduce the group visa processing time to 3-4 days.

Secondly, South Africa has phased out the e-Visa scheme since it was cumbersome and required extensive paperwork. This is replaced by the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) that reduces turnaround time of visa processing to 24-48 hours, while streamlining paperwork.

Thirdly, from January 20, business travellers from India, a crucial visitor segment for SAT with India its second biggest trading market, will be able to apply for five-year multiple-entry visa. This move, SAT, believes will be a shot in the arm, and help in boosting economic ties.

Moreover, with South Africa hosting the 2027 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup, plans are afoot to offer affordable tour packages for Indians to fly down to witness the historic tournament.

While easing of the visa process with an aim to boost arrivals from a crucial source market like India, the visiting delegation, with South African Airways also met with the management of Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet to explore direct flights between the two nations.