SpiceJet assures to continue normal service

SpiceJet, which has been hit by an adverse court order, has assured passengers that it would continue services with the normal schedule. This assurance comes a day after the Delhi High Court pronounced its judgment relating to de-registration of six aircraft belonging to two lessors who had moved the court to take possession of the aircraft due to non payment on lease rental for a long period. 

"These cases originated when the airline was in financial crisis in December 2014, before change of ownership and the infusion of fresh funding," SpiceJet said on Friday. 

It said discussions had been going on with the lessors for an amicable settlement, in parallel with the court proceedings, 

"SpiceJet fully expects the matter will be resolved shortly and positively with the lessors, and there will be no grounding of aircraft or disruption of operations," SpiceJet said in a statement. 

The low cost airline which recently underwent ownership said it has reached an in-principle understanding with one of the two lessors already, and is in advanced discussions with the other lessor. 

It is exploring all legal remedies to safeguard its interest to maintain continuity of operations, the statement said. 

"SpiceJet would like to assure its partners and customers that the situation of the airline is very different from what it was in late 2014, and that it has received its first tranche of funding already and is in the process of paying off creditors in a phased manner," it said. 

It said all taxes have been paid, all salaries are current, and several lessors who supported the airline during the crisis have already been paid off in full while payment plan discussions are actively ongoing with remaining lessors. 

"Operations are normal, on-time performance now amongst the top 2 in the country, and confidence in the market is high." It claimed. 

As part of the revival plan, SpiceJet said it is in the process of adding more aircrafts to the fleet and expects to add 8-9 Boeings starting in April to take the active Boeing fleet to 25-26 aircraft in the summer, in addition to the 15 Bombardier Q400 aircraft that are owned by SpiceJet. 

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