SpiceJet plans return of Boeing 737 MAX fleet by April

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Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Dec 22, 2024

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.

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Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director at SpiceJet, stated: "The collaboration with StandardAero, CFM International, and the lessor is a testament to our commitment to make progressive moves and ensuring the timely return to service of our aircraft. The return of three fuel-efficient 737 MAX aircraft will not only strengthen our operations but also provide a significant boost to our financial health."

The restoration aligns with SpiceJet's network expansion plans. The airline has already added over 50 new flights in recent months as part of this strategy. Lewis Prebble from StandardAero expressed enthusiasm about partnering with SpiceJet: "We are delighted to partner with SpiceJet and contribute towards their impressive and extraordinary journey of recovery."

SpiceJet currently has an order for a total of 129 Boeing 737 MAX 8 narrowbodies intended to replace older-generation Boeing 737s. In India, only three airlines operate the Boeing 737 MAX model: SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.

Recently, SpiceJet resolved disputes with several lessors including Export Development Canada and Engine Lease Finance Corporation among others.

Globally grounded from March 2019 until December 2020 following two fatal crashes involving Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, the Boeing 737 MAX returned to service after safety improvements were implemented. India's aviation regulator lifted its ban on the model in August 2021.