The most preferred low-cost airline in the country – SpiceJet has signed an agreement with Air India for the wet lease of two of SpiceJet’s Boeing 737 – 800 aircrafts, for operating daily flights between Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaipur and Nagpur & Jeddah. During the term of the agreement, SpiceJet will operate around 120 flights and will carry around 20,000 Haj pilgrims.

SpiceJet was one of the successful bidders for the tender floated by Air India. As per the agreement, SpiceJet will provide its aircraft, pilots and the cabin crew and will also be responsible for the overall maintenance of the aircraft and insurance. Air India will take care of the in-flight catering and passenger handling. This is the first time that Air India has assigned a Low Cost Carrier the responsibility to fly pilgrims for Haj.

Siddhanta Sharma, Executive Chairman, SpiceJet Ltd. said, “It is a historic moment for us and we are happy to partner Air India. This is first time an Indian Low Cost Carrier has been retained for Haj flights. This is an acknowledgement of our capabilities to undertake overseas operations. I also take this opportunity to extend my wishes to all the pilgrims travelling to Jeddah by Air India flights to be operational by us.” he further added.

SpiceJet has been adding new destinations and increasing the frequency of flights within its existing network. It is the only airline in the LCC segment to post respectable profits in the last quarter. SpiceJet is ready to begin its overseas operations next year, after three years of domestic flying, subject to approval by The Cabinet and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. 

Sourced From: Hanmer & Partners Communications Pvt. Ltd