Domestic budget carrier SpiceJet will restart operations of one of its Boeing 737 Max planes, which had been grounded, from January 29, a key part of the airline’s plans to restore its fleet in phases.
To this effect, inaugural flights for the same aircraft are scheduled to operate between high-demand routes like Jeddah and Riyadh on Wednesday. “Boeing 737 Max returns, after months into its grounding, in what is crucial development in the roadmap for SpiceJet’s efforts for augmentation of its operation capacity coupled with fleet restoration programs”.
As part of its ongoing fleet revival drive, SpiceJet plans to put back ten aircraft, including four Boeing 737 Max planes, into operation by mid-April. This aircraft is the first of the 737 Max series aircraft to be brought back into operation as part of this effort.
Further, since last October, SpiceJet has managed to induct ten aircraft into its fleet, comprising three formerly grounded aircraft and seven freshly leased ones. This has helped the airline to add over 60 new flights in the past three months alone and substantially enhanced connectivity, while offering passengers more travel options.
SpiceJet has signed service agreements with US-based engine MRO provider StandardAero Inc. and the OEM for LEAP-1B engines, CFM International, Inc., to smoothen the restoration process of its Boeing Max fleet. These fuel-efficient airplanes are likely to bring massive cost savings and better aircraft utilization, thus helping the airline increase its overall operational efficiency.