SpiceJet has confirmed today that it will acquire two 777-300ERs from Boeing as part of its 737 MAX settlement. The airline plans to deploy the aircraft on long-haul routes to as far as North America or on cargo services depending on the pandemic’s trajectory. Let’s find out more.
While SpiceJet has discussed the possibility of going long-haul several times, it has yet to lease or buy its own planes. However, all of that is set to change today. In a statement to the Times of India, SpiceJet CEO Ajay Singh confirmed that the airline will receive two 777-300ERs from Boeing as compensation for the 30-month grounding of the 737 MAX.
The airline has two possible plans for 77Ws. They will either be deployed on passenger services with North America as the most likely destination. Eagle-eyed spotters might remember that SpiceJet secured flight rights to fly to the US earlier this summer but did not make use of them. However, with widebodies on the way, the airline might formally apply for slots.
However, the presence of the Omicron variant might cause the airline to push back passenger services and instead focus on its key segment currently, cargo.
Up until now, no Indian low-cost carrier has gone long-haul, though both of the country’s biggest airlines have spoken about it several times. With the acquisition of 777s, SpiceJet has a chance to become India’s third long-haul carrier and enter the newly competitive North American market.
29/11/21 Pranjal Pande/Simple Flying
To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline
0 comments:
Post a Comment