Maran open to SpiceJet's name change

Mumbai: SpiceJet's new owner, Kalanithi Maran, has kept the door open for changing the name of India's second largest low-cost carrier. The public announcement of an open offer issued on Wednesday said “subject to the permission of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation/ Ministry of Civil Aviation, the acquirers propose to change the name and registered office of the target company (SpiceJet) upon the successful completion of the offer and acquisition of shares.”
Sun Network Chairman Kalanithi Maran and his company, Kal Airways Pvt Ltd (KAPL), which was incorporated on May 6, are the acquirers of the airline. KAPL is promoted by Maran and his wife Kavery.
The offer further said DGCA rules require prior permission for changes in the name and registered office. Applications for the requisite approvals will be made at the appropriate time, it said.
Despite repeated calls, officials from Sun TV Network Ltd remained unavailable for comment.
SpiceJet is currently registered in New Delhi. The carrier operates 129 flights daily to 18 destinations across the country and has a market share of 13.2 per cent, according to latest figures available on the DGCA website.
Maran had said in his post-acquisition media interview that the airline would not be renamed, as SpiceJet had a very strong brand presence in northern India.
17/06/10 Sneha Kupekar/Business Standard

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Categories: New Jun 2010, SpiceJet Jun 2010