SpiceJet to add 20 leased aircraft

Mumbai: SpiceJet is bringing in 20 leased aircraft ahead of winter travel season, a move that could substantially increase its flying capacity.

But the expansion comes at a difficult point for the airline, which is still dealing with tight liquidity, grounded aircraft and a costly legal dispute with KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran.

The airline said Thursday it has finalised agreements with three aircraft operators for 15 Boeing and five Airbus aircraft. The planes are scheduled to be inducted in phases between mid-October and mid-November, ahead of the festive travel rush.


Also Read: SpiceJet finalises lease agreements for 20 aircraft ahead of winter schedule, targets 200 daily flights

SpiceJet is targeting about 200 daily flights during the winter schedule, with the added capacity also expected to support the peak next year.

The aircraft will come through a mix of wet- and damp-lease arrangements, giving SpiceJet a faster way to add capacity without buying aircraft outright.

The Airbus additions include an A321, a higher-capacity narrow-body aircraft that can give the airline more seats on routes where demand is strong.