SpiceJet to spread wings to overseas destinations

Oct 15, 2018: SpiceJet is planning to expand its reach to new international destinations with its more fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 MAX planes, according to the airline.

The airline, which has inducted its first 189-seater B737-8 MAX aircraft, stated that the plane can fly non-stop to Singapore, Doha (Qatar), Kuwait, Abu Dhabi (UAE), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Tehran (Iran), Salalah (Oman) and Kunming (China), among other destinations, from various Indian airports.

"With a one-stop, the aircraft can easily fly up to Finland, Norway, Morocco, London and Amsterdam," it said.

B 737 MAX planes burn up to 14 per cent less fuel than older 737 planes. "Lower cost and lesser days out of service results in up to USD 4 million savings," the airline said in a statement.

SpiceJet plans to use the 737 MAX to expand and standardise its fleet while focusing on increasing their international and regional presence. Delhi-Hong Kong, which would be SpiceJet's eighth international destination, will be exclusively serviced by the 737 MAX.

Currently, SpiceJet has a fleet of 37 Boeing 737 MAX and NG jets and 23 Bombardier Q-400s. On an average, the airline daily operates 416 flights to 57 destinations, including eight international ones.