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India's SpiceJet has announced plans to unground its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft starting in April 2025. This development follows the airline's new service agreement with StandardAero, a US-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the difficulties airlines face when reactivating parked aircraft due to shortages in maintenance facilities, spare parts, and skilled personnel. These challenges have delayed progress for many airlines and increased costs beyond expectations. SpiceJet has been working to restore its fleet amid financial and operational challenges that have kept it below pre-pandemic capacity levels.
In collaboration with StandardAero and CFM International, SpiceJet aims to restore its seven Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which have an average age of 6.1 years. The restoration process will involve material supply and support services for the CFM LEAP-1B engines powering these aircraft. By April 2025, three of these planes are expected to return to operation.
