SpiceJet
{{Short description|Low-cost airline of India}}
{{about|the airline of India|the Japanese regional aircraft|Mitsubishi SpaceJet}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
{{Infobox airline
| airline = SpiceJet
| logo = SpiceJet_logo.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| image = 250px
| caption = SpiceJet Boeing 737-800 in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
| IATA = SG
| ICAO = SEJ
| callsign = SPICEJET
| founded = {{ubl|
| {{start date and age|1994|||df=yes}}
{{small|(as ModiLuft)}}
| {{start date and age|2004|||df=yes}}
{{small|(as SpiceJet)}}
}}
| commenced = {{start date and age|2005|05|24|df=yes}}
| bases = {{ubl|class=nowrap
| Delhi
| Hyderabad}}
| hubs =
| secondary_hubs =
| subsidiaries = SpiceXpress
| fleet_size = 97
| destinations = 73{{cite web|title=Route map|url=https://corporate.spicejet.com/routemapnew.aspx|publisher=Spicejet|access-date=3 January 2024}}
| traded_as = {{BSE|500285}}
{{NSE|SPICEJET}}
| ISIN = INE285B01017
| headquarters = Gurgaon, Haryana, India{{cite web|url=http://www.spicejet.com/contactus.aspx|title=SpiceJet Contact Information, SpiceJet Airlines|publisher=Spicejet|access-date=14 September 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423230855/http://www.spicejet.com/ContactUs.aspx|archive-date=23 April 2013 }}
| key_people = {{bulleted list
| Ajay Singh (Chairman and MD)
| Sanjeev Taneja (CFO){{cite report|url=http://corporate.spicejet.com/Content/pdf/SpiceJet_BSE_Intimation_13112020.pdf|title=Stock Exchange Intimation dated November 11, 2020 for CFO Appointment|date=11 November 2020|access-date=8 June 2021|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227133959/http://corporate.spicejet.com/Content/pdf/SpiceJet_BSE_Intimation_13112020.pdf|url-status=dead}}
| Debojo Maharshi (CBO)}}
| revenue = {{decrease}} {{INRConvert|8524|c|lk=on}} (2024){{cite report|title=Annual Report - SpiceJet Ltd|url=https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/e890360d-55b4-4045-8a32-b2e1db4ed35c.pdf|date=15 July 2024 }}
| operating_income = {{decreasepositive}} {{INRConvert|-423|c}} (2024)
| net_income = {{decreasepositive}} {{INRConvert|-423|c}} (2024)
| assets = {{decrease}} {{INRConvert|6472|c}} (2024)
| equity = {{decrease}} {{INRConvert|-5218|c}} (2024)
| num_employees = 14,578 (2021)
| website = {{URL|www.spicejet.com}}
}}
SpiceJet is an Indian low-cost airline headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana. {{As of|April 2025}}, it is the fourth largest airline in India by number of domestic passengers carried, with a market share of 4%{{Cite web |last=Reddy |first=Abhilash |title=Domestic air passenger traffic rises 4.4% to 1.37 crore in May |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/business/domestic-air-passenger-traffic-rises-44-to-137-crore-in-may-3067550 |access-date=15 June 2024 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} and connects 73 destinations, including 60 Indian and 13 international from its bases at Delhi and Hyderabad.{{Cite web |title=Route Map |url=https://corporate.spicejet.com/routemapnew.aspx |access-date=15 June 2024 |website=corporate.spicejet.com}}
Established as air taxi provider ModiLuft in 1994, the company was acquired by Indian entrepreneur Ajay Singh in 2004 and renamed to SpiceJet. The airline operated its first flight in May 2005. Indian media baron Kalanidhi Maran acquired a controlling stake in SpiceJet in June 2010 through Sun Group which was sold back to Ajay Singh in January 2015. The airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737 and Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft.
History
=1984–1996: ModiLuft era=
{{main|ModiLuft}}
The origins of SpiceJet can be tracked back to March 1984 when the company was established by Indian industrialist S. K. Modi to provide private air taxi services.{{cite web|title=Company History – SpiceJet|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/company-facts/spicejet/history/SJ01#SJ01|publisher=moneycontrol.com|access-date=30 December 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102204743/http://www.moneycontrol.com/company-facts/spicejet/history/SJ01#SJ01|archive-date=2 January 2012}} On 17 February 1993, the company was named as MG Express and entered into technical partnership with the German flag carrier Lufthansa. The airline provided passenger and cargo services under the name of Modiluft before ceasing operations in 1996.
=2005–2013: inception and expansion=
In 2004, the company was acquired by Ajay Singh and the airline planned to restart operations as SpiceJet following the low-cost model. SpiceJet leased two Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2005 and planned to order 10 new aircraft for expansion.{{cite news|title=India's Spicejet takes 10 Boeings|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4735540.stm|work=BBC News|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405091353/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4735540.stm|archive-date=5 April 2016}} SpiceJet opened bookings on 18 May 2005 and the first flight was operated between Delhi and Mumbai on 24 May 2005.{{cite news|title=Spic(e)y flight: Delhi-Mumbai for Rs 1,599|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Spicey-flight-Delhi-Mumbai-for-Rs-1599/articleshow/1197332.cms|newspaper=Times of India|date=10 August 2005|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917221901/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Spicey-flight-Delhi-Mumbai-for-Rs-1599/articleshow/1197332.cms|archive-date=17 September 2016}} By July 2008, it was India's third-largest low-cost carrier in terms of market share after Air Deccan and IndiGo.{{Cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/drP6yUYfZFCelfFsnilSsK/SpiceJet-Modi-call-truce-to-sell-115-mn-shares.html|title=SpiceJet, Modi call truce; to sell 11.5 mn shares|date=25 June 2008|first=Tarun|last=Shukla|newspaper=Live Mint|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405203527/http://www.livemint.com/Companies/drP6yUYfZFCelfFsnilSsK/SpiceJet-Modi-call-truce-to-sell-115-mn-shares.html|archive-date=5 April 2016}} Indian media baron Kalanidhi Maran acquired 37.7% stake in SpiceJet in June 2010 through Sun Group.{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Kalanithi-Maran-to-buy-37-stake-in-SpiceJet/articleshow/6037165.cms|title=Kalanithi Maran to buy 37% stake in SpiceJet|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=11 June 2010|access-date=30 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718072031/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Kalanithi-Maran-to-buy-37-stake-in-SpiceJet/articleshow/6037165.cms|archive-date=18 July 2010}}{{cite news|title=Kalanidhi Maran buys 37.7 p.c. stake in SpiceJet|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article454226.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 June 2010|access-date=8 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824055836/http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article454226.ece|archive-date=24 August 2010}} The airline ordered 30 Boeing 737-8 aircraft worth {{US$|2.7 billion}} July 2010 and a further 15 Bombardier Q4 Dash short-haul aircraft worth {{US$|446 million}} in December 2010.{{Cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-53458520101209|title=SpiceJet order adds to Bombardier's India footprint|place=Toronto, Canada|date=9 December 2010|work=Reuters|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405075524/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-53458520101209|archive-date=5 April 2016}}
In 2012, SpiceJet suffered a loss of over {{INRConvert|39|c|lk=on}} owing to increase in global crude prices.{{cite news|title=Fund infusion critical for SpiceJet|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/fund-infusion-critical-for-spicejet/464005/|newspaper=Business Standard|date=8 February 2012|first=Ram Prasad|last=Sahu|place=Mumbai, India|access-date=15 February 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208124050/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/fund-infusion-critical-for-spicejet/464005/|archive-date=8 February 2012}} On 9 January 2012, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, reported that several airlines in India, including SpiceJet, have not maintained crucial data for the flight operations quality assurance.{{cite news|title=IndiGo, SpiceJet airlines violate mandatory safety norms: DGCA|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indigo-spicejet-goair-jet-airways-airlines-flout-norms-dgca/1/167838.html|work=India Today|date=10 January 2012|access-date=20 January 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311183607/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indigo-spicejet-goair-jet-airways-airlines-flout-norms-dgca/1/167838.html|archive-date=11 March 2012}} The Bombay Stock Exchange announced that ever since June 2011, SpiceJet had been suffering losses.{{cite web|title=Standalone Result – 31-Dec-11|url=http://www.bseindia.com/qresann/results.asp?scripcd=500285&scripname=SPICEJET%20LTD.&type=72&quarter=DQ2011-2012&ResType=&checkcons=|publisher=Bombay Stock Exchange|access-date=2 March 2012}} In 2012, Kalanidhi Maran increased his stake in the airline by investing {{INRConvert|100|c|lk=off}} in the airline.{{cite news|title=Marans to pump Rs 100 cr into SpiceJet, up stake to 48.6 pc|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kalanithi-maran-to-pump-rs-100-cr-into-spicejet/235608-7.html|work=CNN-IBN|date=3 March 2012|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107114820/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kalanithi-maran-to-pump-rs-100-cr-into-spicejet/235608-7.html|archive-date=7 January 2015}} The airline returned to profits at the end of the same year.{{cite news|title=SpiceJet returns to profit|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/spicejet-returns-to-profit/article4328705.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 January 2013|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527163117/http://www.thehindu.com/business/spicejet-returns-to-profit/article4328705.ece|archive-date=27 May 2014}} SpiceJet entered into an inter airline pact with Tigerair on 16 December 2013 which was scrapped in January 2015.{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/tigerair-scraps-three-year-inter-line-pact-with-spicejet-115012900445_1.html|title=Tigerair scraps three-year inter-line pact with SpiceJet|first=Roudra|last=Bhattacharya|place=New Delhi, India|newspaper=Business Standard|date=30 January 2015|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405160628/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/tigerair-scraps-three-year-inter-line-pact-with-spicejet-115012900445_1.html|archive-date=5 April 2016}}
=2014–present: downturn and recovery=
In January 2015, the Sun Group sold its entire shareholding and transferred control to Ajay Singh.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/kalanithi-maran-transfers-spicejet-ownership-to-founder/article6792400.ece|title=SpiceJet changes hand|newspaper=The Hindu|date=15 January 2015|access-date=15 January 2015|last=Mishra|first=Laltendu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115140046/http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/kalanithi-maran-transfers-spicejet-ownership-to-founder/article6792400.ece|archive-date=15 January 2015}} In September 2017, the airline placed an order for 25 Q400 turboprop aircraft.{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/bombardier-signs-deal-with-spicejet-for-50-q400-turboprop-planes/articleshow/60884630.cms|title=Bombardier inks $1.7 bn deal with SpiceJet for 50 jets|date=29 September 2017|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=1 December 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303131512/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/bombardier-signs-deal-with-spicejet-for-50-q400-turboprop-planes/articleshow/60884630.cms|archive-date=3 March 2018}} In 2019, SpiceJet took over 30 aircraft that were grounded by Jet Airways.{{cite news|title=SpiceJet inducts 22 grounded Jet Airways planes; to add 8 more aircraft|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/industry/aviation/story/spicejet-to-induct-8-more-jet-airways-boeing-planes-198749-2019-05-30|work=Business Today|date=30 May 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122134104/https://www.businesstoday.in/industry/aviation/story/spicejet-to-induct-8-more-jet-airways-boeing-planes-198749-2019-05-30|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=22 April 2019|title=SpiceJet Repaints Grounded Jet Airways' Boeing 737 Planes with Own Livery|url=https://www.news18.com/news/auto/spicejet-repaints-grounded-jet-airways-boeing-737-planes-with-own-livery-2111663.html|work=News18|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122134104/https://www.news18.com/news/auto/spicejet-repaints-grounded-jet-airways-boeing-737-planes-with-own-livery-2111663.html|url-status=live}}
The airline posted net losses of US$34.6 million during the fiscal quarter ended 31 March 2021, as revenue fell by 28% annually to $294.8 million. The airline planned to raise funds to the tune of $337.2 million to ensure its long term sustainability.{{cite news|last=Kundu|first=Rhik|date=30 June 2021|title=SpiceJet posts ₹257 cr quarterly loss, plans to raise ₹2,500 crore|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/company-results/spicejet-plans-to-raise-rs2-500-cr-as-airline-reports-loss-for-5th-straight-qtr-11625071381087.html|access-date=8 July 2021|work=mint|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185405/https://www.livemint.com/companies/company-results/spicejet-plans-to-raise-rs2-500-cr-as-airline-reports-loss-for-5th-straight-qtr-11625071381087.html|url-status=live}} In May 2022, Directorate General of Civil Aviation started a safety investigation into the company's aircraft following a series of incidents involving malfunctioning plane equipment.{{cite news|title=DGCA springs into action after back-to-back incidents involving SpiceJet flights|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dgca-safety-audit-spicejet-flights-after-mishaps-1945448-2022-05-04|access-date=17 June 2022|work=India Today|date=4 May 2022|archive-date=17 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617055744/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dgca-safety-audit-spicejet-flights-after-mishaps-1945448-2022-05-04|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Suri|first1=Manveena|last2=Marcus|first2=Lilit|title=India's SpiceJet under investigation after severe turbulence injures passengers|url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/spicejet-flight-investigation-india/index.html|access-date=17 June 2022|work=CNN|date=3 May 2022|language=en|archive-date=17 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617055742/https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/spicejet-flight-investigation-india/index.html|url-status=live }} In July 2022, DGCA imposed restrictions on the number of flights to be capped at 50% of the existent flights with strict monitoring.{{cite news|author=Saurabh Sinha|date=27 July 2022|title=SpiceJet News: DGCA puts SpiceJet under 'enhanced surveillance', orders airline to operate half of allowed flights this summer|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/dgca-acts-against-spicejet-restricts-flights-by-50-for-8-weeks/articleshow/93163964.cms|access-date=29 July 2022|newspaper=The Times of India|archive-date=29 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729103822/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/dgca-acts-against-spicejet-restricts-flights-by-50-for-8-weeks/articleshow/93163964.cms|url-status=live }} {{As of|June 2024}}, it is the sixth largest airline in India by number of domestic passengers carried, with a market share of 4%.
On 12 September 2024, SpiceJet announced that its shareholders approved a fund raising initiative of {{INRConvert|3000|c|lk=on|year=2024}} through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) shares in order to pay pending dues amid financial challenges, legal battles and grounding of aircraft.{{Cite news |date=13 September 2024 |title=SpiceJet shareholders approve Rs 3,000 cr fund raising plan |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/spicejet-shareholders-approve-rs-3000-cr-fund-raising-plan/articleshow/113331005.cms |access-date=15 September 2024 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}} The airline's downturn and requirement of funds was due to two consecutive events, Boeing 737 MAX groundings and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the funds have been realised and the airline plans to return to the market with full capacity and fleet expansion. The airline will clear a debt of {{INRConvert|750|c|lk=on|year=2024}} to the lessors with the newly acquired funds.{{Cite news |last=Majumder |first=Arindam |date=23 September 2024 |title=SpiceJet aims for fleet of 100 by the end of 2026 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/spicejet-aims-for-fleet-of-100-by-the-end-of-2026/articleshow/113577716.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}} On 5 October, it was reported that the airline cleared the four-month due salaries and GST and deposited 10-months dues of Provident Fund (PF).{{Cite web |title=SpiceJet says cleared salary, GST dues; deposited 10-month PF dues - ETHRWorld |url=https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/spicejet-says-cleared-salary-gst-dues-deposited-10-month-pf-dues/113956322 |access-date=8 October 2024 |website=ETHRWorld|language=en}}
As of October 2024, SpiceJet is also scheduled to receive {{INRConvert|736|c|lk=on|year=2024}} from a previous funding round.{{Cite news |date=8 October 2024 |title=SpiceJet informs DGCA all its grounded planes to fly again within 2 years; earmark Rs 400 crore for that |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/spicejet-informs-dgca-all-its-grounded-planes-to-fly-again-within-2-years-earmark-rs-400-crore-for-that/articleshow/114037024.cms#amp_tf=From%20%251$s&aoh=17283837926299&csi=1&referrer=https://www.google.com&share=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/spicejet-informs-dgca-all-its-grounded-planes-to-fly-again-within-2-years-earmark-rs-400-crore-for-that/articleshow/114037024.cms |access-date=8 October 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}
Corporate affairs
= Business trends =
The key trends for SpiceJet are (as of the financial year ending 31 March):{{Cite web |title=SpiceJet - Annual Reports |url=https://corporate.spicejet.com/InvestorsFinancialInformation.aspx |access-date=19 August 2024 |website=corporate.spicejet.com}}
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! !Revenue !Net profit !Number of !Number of !Passenger !Fleet size !References |
style="text-align:left;"|2014
|6,304 |−1,003 |5,639 |13 |72 |58 |
style="text-align:left;"|2015
|5,201 |−687 |4,185 |12 |81 | 34 |
style="text-align:left;"|2016
|5,088 |450 |5,360 |12 |91 |42 |
style="text-align:left;"|2017
|6,191 |427 |6,902 |15 |92 |49 |
style="text-align:left;"|2018
|7,760 |557 |8,447 |18 |95 |60 |
style="text-align:left;"|2019
|9,121 |−302 |8,556 |19.9 |93 |76 |
style="text-align:left;"|2020
|12,375 |−937 |11,675 |24.7 |92 |114 |
2021
|5,171 |−1,030 |14,578 |7.7 |77 |98 |
2022
|6,604 |−1,744 |8,723 |9.1 |80 |88 |
2023
|8,874 |−1,513 |7,131 |12.7 |87 |76 |
= Ownership and structure =
The company is publicly traded under NSE: SPICEJET, with a market capitalization of about {{INRconvert|4255|c|lk=r}} as of January 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/transportlogistics/spicejet/SJ01|title=SpiceJet Share Price|work=Money Control|access-date=7 January 2024}} On 30 March 2020, HDFC bought 3.4 crore shares of SpiceJet from the open market constituting 5.45% stake.{{cite news|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/hdfc-trustee-company-buys-5-45-stake-in-spicejet-5086071.html|title=HDFC Trustee Company buys 5.45% stake in SpiceJet|work=Money Control|date=30 March 2020|access-date=31 March 2020|archive-date=1 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401033628/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/hdfc-trustee-company-buys-5-45-stake-in-spicejet-5086071.html|url-status=live}}
= Headquarters =
SpiceJet is headquartered in Gurgaon, India. Ajay Singh serves as the managing director of the airline since January 2015.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/I-am-back-at-SpiceJet-for-long-run-Ajay-Singh/articleshow/46951504.cms|title=I am back at SpiceJet for long run: Ajay Singh|newspaper=The Times of India|date=17 April 2015|agency=TNN|access-date=29 June 2015|last=Sinha|first=Saurabh|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419053404/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/I-am-back-at-SpiceJet-for-long-run-Ajay-Singh/articleshow/46951504.cms|archive-date=19 April 2015}} The airline's logo consists of 15 dots arranged in three rows of five each in the order of their reducing sizes on a red background. In June 2015, the airline unveiled its current logo with a new tagline Red. Hot. Spicy.{{cite press release|url=http://www.spicejet.com/PressReleaseNewsPage.aspx?strNews=SpiceJetMobileApp|title=SpiceJet Unveils New Brand Look and Slogan and Launches New Mobile App for Android and iOS as Part of its Ongoing 10th Anniversary Celebrations|work=SpiceJet|date=6 June 2015|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406025033/http://www.spicejet.com/PressReleaseNewsPage.aspx?strNews=SpiceJetMobileApp|archive-date=6 April 2016}} SpiceJet names all its aircraft with the name of an Indian spice.{{cite news|title=SpiceJet's newest Boeing 737BG aircraft named "Red Chilli"|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/35996420.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=21 January 2016|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401013510/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/35996420.cms|archive-date=1 April 2016}}
= Subsidiaries =
Launched in September 2018, SpiceXpress is the air cargo division of the airline.{{cite news|title=SpiceJet's air cargo unit SpiceXpress looks to increase capacity, reach|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/spicejets-air-cargo-unit-spicexpress-looks-to-increase-capacity-reach-3055781.html|work=Money Control|date=17 October 2018|access-date=25 January 2019|archive-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230259/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/spicejets-air-cargo-unit-spicexpress-looks-to-increase-capacity-reach-3055781.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Majumder|first=Arindam|date=11 June 2021|title=SpiceJet, IndiGo ready for new war zone as cargo biz continues upward swing|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/spicejet-indigo-ready-for-new-war-zone-as-cargo-biz-continues-upward-swing-121061100046_1.html|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629173955/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/spicejet-indigo-ready-for-new-war-zone-as-cargo-biz-continues-upward-swing-121061100046_1.html|url-status=live}} The airline took delivery of its first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) in September 2019, becoming the first South Asian carrier to induct the converted freighter into its fleet.{{cite news|title=SpiceJet's cargo arm takes first 737-800BCF|first=Alfred|last=Chua|publisher= FlightGlobal|date=24 September 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/programmes/spicejets-cargo-arm-takes-first-737-800bcf/134438.article|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201128144912/https://www.flightglobal.com/programmes/spicejets-cargo-arm-takes-first-737-800bcf/134438.article|archive-date= 28 November 2020}}
Spice Shuttle was a fully owned subsidiary of SpiceJet which operated sea planes and other shuttle airplane services.{{cite news|date=1 November 2020|title=SpiceJet gets 3,000 bookings for seaplane service|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/spicejet-gets-3000-bookings-for-seaplane-service-6911871/|access-date=4 December 2020|newspaper=Indian Express|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202165132/https://indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/spicejet-gets-3000-bookings-for-seaplane-service-6911871/|url-status=live}} The airline initiated its service on 31 October 2020 with a fleet consisting of a 15-seater DHC-6-300. The flight operated between Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad and Statue of Unity, Kevadia. This route was inaugurated under the UDAN scheme. SpiceJet had conducted seaplane trials in India in phase I (Nagpur, Guwahati) and phase II (Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai) since 2017.{{Cite web |title=Press Release News Page |url=https://corporate.spicejet.com/PressReleaseNewsPage.aspx?strNews=seaplaneservice |access-date=15 September 2024 |website=corporate.spicejet.com}} However, it terminated services in April 2021.{{Cite news |date=8 December 2022 |title=Gujarat seaplane operations stopped due to commercial reasons, Covid: Govt |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gujarat-seaplane-operations-stopped-due-to-commercial-reasons-covid-govt/articleshow/96088790.cms |access-date=15 June 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}
Destinations
{{Main|List of SpiceJet destinations}}
As of June 2024, SpiceJet operated to 73 destinations, including 60 Indian and 13 international destinations. It operates hubs at Delhi and Hyderabad, which is the primary base for its fleet of Bombardier Q400 aircraft.{{cite news|title=Bombardier to land Shamshabad airport in June|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/bombardier-to-land-shamshabad-airport-in-june/article1628387.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 April 2011|access-date=30 December 2011}}{{cite web|title=Profile on SpiceJet|url=http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/spicejet-sg|work=CAPA Centre for Aviation|access-date=7 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527065336/http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/spicejet-sg|archive-date=27 May 2016}} After completing five years of flying, SpiceJet was allowed to commence international flights by Directorate General of Civil Aviation on 7 September 2010. SpiceJet launched flights from Delhi to Kathmandu and Chennai to Colombo and the first international flight took off on 7 October 2010 from Delhi.{{cite news|title=SpiceJet begins flight service to Delhi, Mumbai|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/spicejet-begins-flight-service-to-delhi-mumbai/article799040.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 September 2010|access-date=30 December 2011}}
Fleet
=Current fleet=
{{Update section|date=April 2025|reason=The SpiceJet source does not seem to be updating, [https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=jsp/dgca/InventoryList/airOperation/certification/scheduled/sch-oper.pdf DGCA] lists far fewer aircraft}}
{{As of|2024|06}}, SpiceJet operates the following aircraft:{{cite web|title=SpiceJet fleet|url=https://corporate.spicejet.com/fleet.aspx|access-date=26 December 2023|publisher=Spicejet}}
File:SpiceJet Boeing 737-800 Vyas-2.jpg|SpiceJet Boeing 737-800
File:SpiceJet Boeing 737-900ER Vyas-1.jpg|SpiceJet Boeing 737-900ER
File:VT-MXX - Boeing 737 MAX 8 - SpiceJet - MSN 60184 - VGHS.jpg|SpiceJet Boeing 737 MAX 8
File:SpiceJet VT-SUI at Bangalore, Dec 2015.jpg|SpiceJet De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400
File:VT-SFB@HKG (20181205101935).jpg|SpiceXpress Boeing 737-700BCF
=Fleet development=
SpiceJet placed its first firm order for 20 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s in March 2005, with deliveries scheduled up to 2010. In November 2010, the airline ordered 30 Boeing 737-800s.{{cite press release|title=Boeing, SpiceJet Finalize Order for 30 Next-Generation 737-800s|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1507|work=Boeing|date=8 November 2010|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407055809/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1507|archive-date=7 April 2012}} On 9 December 2010, Bombardier Aerospace announced that SpiceJet had placed a firm order for fifteen Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners with options for another fifteen. SpiceJet used its fleet of Q400s for short-haul operations.{{cite press release|title=Bombardier Sells 15 Q400 NextGen Aircraft to India's SpiceJet|url=http://www.bombardier.com/en/corporate/media-centre/press-releases/details?docID=0901260d8014a144|work=Bombardier|date=9 December 2010|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317125758/http://www.bombardier.com/en/corporate/media-centre/press-releases/details?docID=0901260d8014a144|archive-date=17 March 2013}}
In March 2014, the airline signed a {{US$|4.4 billion}} deal with Boeing for the procurement of 42 737 MAX 8 aircraft.{{cite news|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/03/boeing-spicejet-ink-4-4-bn-deal-for-737-8-max-aircrafts-at-india-aviation-2014/|title=Boeing, SpiceJet ink $4.4 Bn deal for 737-8 Max aircraft at India Aviation 2014|newspaper=Bihar Prabha|date=12 March 2014|access-date=15 January 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101143623/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/03/boeing-spicejet-ink-4-4-bn-deal-for-737-8-max-aircrafts-at-india-aviation-2014/|archive-date=1 January 2015}} In 2015, SpiceJet was in talks with both Boeing and Airbus for a possible order of more than 100 single aisle aircraft, either Airbus A320neo or the Boeing 737 MAX with the same being confirmed by managing director, Ajay Singh, in a conference in Dubai.{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/spicejet-in-talks-with-aircraft-makers-to-purchase-planes/articleshow/48699760.cms|title=SpiceJet in talks with aircraft makers to purchase planes|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=27 August 2015|access-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827125156/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/spicejet-in-talks-with-aircraft-makers-to-purchase-planes/articleshow/48699760.cms|archive-date=27 August 2016}}
In January 2017, the airline placed a firm order for 100 737 MAX 8 aircraft, and revealed itself as the airline behind the 13 MAX 8 aircraft previously attributed to an unidentified customer, taking its total order to 155 MAX 8 aircraft with purchase rights for 50 additional MAX 8 and wide-body aircraft.{{cite news|last1=Kotoky|first1=Anurag|last2=Park|first2=Kyunghee|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/boeing-loosens-airbuss-india-grip-with-22-billion-spicejet-win/articleshow/56534627.cms|title=Boeing loosens Airbus's India grip with $22 billion SpiceJet win|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=14 January 2017|access-date=15 January 2017}} The carrier planned to grow its operational fleet to 200 airplanes and expand regionally with the new 737 MAX family of airplanes.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-spicejet-idUSKBN19A1ME|title=Boeing 737: Orders and Deliveries (updated monthly)|work=Reuters|date=19 June 2017|access-date=19 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619155313/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-spicejet-idUSKBN19A1ME|archive-date=19 June 2017}} In June 2017, the airline signed a letter of intent with Bombardier to purchase up to 50 Q400 aircraft for catering to growth in passenger traffic arising from its participation in the Indian government's UDAN regional connectivity scheme.{{cite press release|url=http://www.bombardier.com/en/media/newsList/details.bca-20170620-spicejetq400.bombardiercom.html|title=Bombardier Signs a Letter of Intent with SpiceJet for up to 50 Q400 Aircraft - Bombardier|publisher=Bombardier|access-date=1 December 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909143125/http://www.bombardier.com/en/media/newsList/details.bca-20170620-spicejetq400.bombardiercom.html|archive-date=9 September 2017}}
In 2019, SpiceJet announced plans to induct 16 Boeing 737-800 NG to fulfil local and international demands due to the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX fleet.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/will-induct-16-boeing-737-800-ng-aircraft-on-dry-lease-spicejet/articleshow/68844016.cms|title=Will induct 16 Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft on dry lease: SpiceJet|date=12 April 2019|access-date=27 March 2020|newspaper=The Economic Times|archive-date=31 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131153428/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/will-induct-16-boeing-737-800-ng-aircraft-on-dry-lease-spicejet/articleshow/68844016.cms|url-status=live}} In May 2020, when Jet Airways ceased operations, the airline placed orders for six additional Boeing 737-800 NG and five Bombardier Q400 to cover the shortage.{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/jet-airways-crisis-spicejet-air-india-step-in-to-soften-blow-to-indian-aviation-industry-1555717072015.html|title=SpiceJet, Air India step in to clean up after Jet Airways|first1=Gireesh Chandra|last1=Prasad|first2=Rhik|last2=Kundu|date=20 April 2019|work=Mint|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=20 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120031020/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/jet-airways-crisis-spicejet-air-india-step-in-to-soften-blow-to-indian-aviation-industry-1555717072015.html|url-status=live}} In June 2023, SpiceJet announced plans to induct 10 Boeing 737 aircraft of which five would be 737 MAX aircraft to cater to the surge in passenger demand.
In 2019, SpiceJet had a fleet size of 74 aircraft and had progressively inducted more aircraft. In 2020, the airline had a fleet of 74 Boeing 737, 26 Bombardier Q-400s, 11 B737 MAX & Bombardier Q-400 freighters.
As of June 2024, of the 64 airlines of the fleet, 36 were grounded and of the 28 airworthy aircraft, fewer was being deployed for operations.
As of September 2024, due to financial constraints and legal reasons, the airline operates 20 aircraft while the others remain grounded. The airline revealed that it has around 30 aircraft grounded which is to return to the air soon and it also plans to have a 100-aircraft fleet by 2026. The airline revealed that it has enough slots, international traffic rights, pilots and crew, as well as the maintenance infrastructure for such an expansion. The airline could not receive new aircraft post-COVID like other Indian airlines. By March 2025, the airline will have a fleet of 40 and then add another 40 in the next year. It also plans for short term wet leases for extended operations during high-demand seasons. In fact, SpiceJet will induct 8 aircraft on lease in 2024-end.
As per reports on 8 October 2024, SpiceJet will induct seven aircraft on lease by 15 November. The deal for the lease has been signed while the first two aircraft have arrived in India and shall be inducted soon. The airline also said that three grounded aircraft will restart operations in November end and a total of seven will be ungrounded by year-end. The entire fleet is expected to be ungrounded within 18–24 months and {{INRConvert|400|c|lk=on|year=2024}} (from the qualified institutional placement (QIP) secured recently) is to be invested for spares, maintenance and engineering of the grounded fleet. The airline expects to have a 100-aircraft fleet by 2026.{{Cite news |date=8 October 2024 |title=SpiceJet to add 10 more planes to expand its fleet |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/spicejet-to-add-10-more-planes-to-expand-its-fleet/articleshow/114035180.cms |access-date=8 October 2024 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}
As of 31 December 2024, the airline has 34 Boeing 737 jets (including 13 B737 MAX), 24 Q400 and 6 wet-leased aircraft of which 28 are operational. In 2025, the carrier plans to unground 30 aircraft and negotiate to restart deliveries of the 200 B737 MAX aircraft ordered in 2017. Spicejet also signed an agreement with US-based MRO company, StandardAero Inc. to support the ungrounding of the 737 MAX fleet, 3 of which are to be operationalised by April 2025.{{Cite news |date=30 December 2024 |title=SpiceJet to operationalize 30 grounded planes, resume delivery talks with Boeing |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/spicejet-to-operationalize-30-grounded-planes-resume-delivery-talks-with-boeing/11735560758146.html |access-date=1 January 2025 |work=Live Mint}}
As of 10 January 2025, the airline had a 62-aircraft fleet of which, 20 Boeing 737 (including leased aircraft), 2 Airbus A320 (on lease) and 6 DHC-8 Dash 8 were operational.{{Cite web |title=SpiceJet's revival 'going very well', airline to double fleet in a year, says CMD Ajay Singh |url=https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/aviation/spicejets-revival-going-very-well-airline-to-double-fleet-in-a-year-says-cmd-ajay-singh/120373257 |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=ETInfra|language=en}}
By April 2025, all ten of the aircraft planned for induction since October 2024 was completed and this included seven aircraft on lease. The carrier planned to double its fleet by the next year.
= Services =
SpiceJet has moved away from the typical low-cost carrier service model of economy class-only seating.{{cite web|url=http://www.spicejet.com/GeneralAirTravelFaq.aspx|title=General Travel FAQ's|publisher=SpiceJet|access-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112135849/http://www.spicejet.com/GeneralAirTravelFaq.aspx|archive-date=12 November 2013}} The airline offers premium services under the name SpiceMax, whereby passengers can obtain additional benefits including pre-assigned seats with extra legroom; meals on board; priority check-in and boarding; and priority baggage handling; at a higher fare.{{cite web|url=http://book.spicejet.com/RetrieveBooking.aspx?AddSeat=true|title=Enjoy the SpiceMax experience with SpiceJet|publisher=SpiceJet|access-date=13 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313015826/http://book.spicejet.com/RetrieveBooking.aspx?AddSeat=true|archive-date=13 March 2016}} Otherwise SpiceJet does not provide complimentary meals in any of its flights. It does sell full in-flight meals on some flights. SpiceJet operates its frequent-flyer programme but does not provide any in-flight entertainment options. SpiceJet has partnered with Tripfactory and EaseMyTrip for selling holiday packages on its platform.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/travel/spicejet-ties-up-with-tripfactory-for-selling-holiday-packages/articleshow/35732755.cms|title=SpiceJet ties up with tripfactory for selling holiday packages|last=Chowdhury|first=Anirban|date=29 May 2014|work=The Economic Times|access-date=7 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208004543/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/travel/spicejet-ties-up-with-tripfactory-for-selling-holiday-packages/articleshow/35732755.cms|archive-date=8 February 2018}}{{cite news|title=SpiceJet joins hands with travel portal EaseMyTrip|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/spicejet-joins-hands-with-travel-portal-easemytrip-7522811.html|access-date=30 September 2021|work=Moneycontrol|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930062700/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/spicejet-joins-hands-with-travel-portal-easemytrip-7522811.html|url-status=live }}
Collaborations
- SpiceJet partnered with CleverTap to enhance customer experience by delivering personalized and contextual communication across its web and mobile channels, on 23 July 2023.{{Cite web |date=25 July 2023 |title=SpiceJet partners with CleverTap to enhance customer experience |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/brandwagon-spicejet-partners-with-clevertap-to-enhance-customer-experience-3186497/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}
- Mankind Pharma partnered with SpiceJet to elevate brand awareness through plane displays, on 23 September 2023.{{Cite web |date=21 September 2023 |title=Mankind Pharma partners with SpiceJet, elevating brand awareness through plane displays |url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/mktg/mankind-pharma-partners-with-spicejet-elevating-brand-awareness-through-plane-displays |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=afaqs! |language=en}}
- Ajay Singh, the chairman and managing director of SpiceJet, in collaboration with Busy Bee Airways, placed a joint bid for the struggling airline Go First, on 24 February 2023.{{Cite web |date=17 February 2024 |title=SpiceJet's bold move to reshape Indian skies - Travel And Tour World |url=https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/spicejets-bold-move-to-reshape-indian-skies/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |language=en-US}}
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{official website}}. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702020919/http://www.spicejet.com/ |date=2 July 2012 }}.
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