SpiceJet , one of India's leading airlines, has announced a significant expansion of its fleet in preparation for the Winter Schedule 2025. The airline has finalized lease agreements for an additional eight Boeing 737 aircraft, bringing its total planned fleet additions to 18 planes.

Fleet Expansion Details

SpiceJet's latest move includes:

• Eight newly leased Boeing 737 aircraft
• Ten previously announced Boeing 737 aircraft leases
• Total of 18 aircraft to join the fleet

The first batch of these aircraft is scheduled to join SpiceJet's fleet starting October 2025, with the remaining planes to be inducted subsequently.

Strategic Timing and Purpose

The timing of this fleet expansion is strategic, aimed at:

• Strengthening capacity for the Winter Schedule 2025
• Enhancing frequencies on key routes
• Meeting the growing passenger demand during the festive and winter travel season

Management's Perspective

Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer of SpiceJet, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "We are delighted to announce the addition of eight more Boeing 737 aircraft to our fleet, taking our total planned inductions to 18 aircraft for the Winter Schedule 2025. These additions reaffirm our commitment to expanding capacity, ensuring seamless connectivity, and offering a superior flying experience to our passengers."

Impact on Operations

The fleet expansion is expected to have several positive impacts on SpiceJet's operations:

1. Increased capacity on popular routes
2. Improved frequency of flights
3. Enhanced ability to meet seasonal demand
4. Potential for new route additions

About SpiceJet

SpiceJet is recognized as one of India's favorite airlines, known for making air travel more accessible to a broader segment of the population. The airline operates a fleet comprising Boeing 737s and Q-400s, and is a significant player in regional connectivity, operating multiple daily flights under the UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme).

As the winter and festive seasons approach, SpiceJet's fleet expansion demonstrates the airline's proactive approach to meeting increased travel demand and enhancing its market position in the competitive Indian aviation sector.

Note: This article is based on a press release dated September 16, 2025, filed by SpiceJet Limited with the BSE Limited.

SpiceJet , one of India's prominent low-cost carriers, is navigating through financial headwinds as it grapples with salary delays and operational constraints. The airline's recent actions have raised concerns about its financial health and operational capacity.

Salary Delays Impact Higher-Paid Employees

SpiceJet has been experiencing delays in salary payments for several months, particularly affecting its higher-paid staff. While employees earning up to Rs 55,000.00 per month received their August payments on time, those in higher pay brackets, primarily Assistant Managers and above, are facing delays of 10-15 days in receiving their salaries.

Workforce and Financial Overview

The airline currently employs a total of 6,484 individuals, with 4,894 being permanent staff. However, the company's financial situation appears strained, as evidenced by its recent financial performance. In the June quarter, SpiceJet reported a substantial net loss of Rs 238.00 crore.

Controversial Financial Decision

In a move that has raised eyebrows, SpiceJet provided a Rs 32.00 crore interest-free advance to its Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh. This advance, granted for a five-year term, is set to be adjusted from Singh's salary in April and May 2025.

Operational Challenges

SpiceJet's operational capacity has been significantly reduced. Currently, only 18 aircraft are operational out of the airline's total fleet of 53 planes. This figure remains unchanged from July of the previous year, despite the company announcing fleet expansion plans three times over the past year.

Outlook

The combination of salary delays, financial losses, and stagnant operational capacity presents significant challenges for SpiceJet. The airline's ability to navigate these turbulent times and implement its announced expansion plans will be crucial for its future in India's competitive aviation market.

As the situation develops, stakeholders, including employees, investors, and passengers, will be closely watching SpiceJet's strategies to address these financial and operational challenges.