Sanjay Singh / New Delhi
Low cost carrier SpiceJet is all set to start Boeing 737 Max operations by September end. The airline has already initiated for required regulatory approvals by the Civil Aviation Regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
SpiceJet today said it has reached a commercial settlement with CDB Aviation, a major lessor of Max aircraft. This will allow SpiceJet’s 737 Max aircraft to return back to service.
This comes after DGCA in August granted safety permission to Boeing 737 Max for re-starting its operations in India. The DGCA had in March 2019 suspended Boeing 737 Max operations after two fatal crashes.
SpiceJet had placed an order for 225 Boeing 737 Max in 2017, while it has a firm order for 155 Boeing 737 Max planes.
“This will add to already announced settlement with Avolon and grow its fleet of 737 Max aircraft. The airline expects to start operations of Max aircraft around the end of September 2021, subject to regulatory approvals,” said SpiceJet in a statement.
Earlier, Spicejet had entered into an agreement with ‘Avolon’ another major lessor of Max aircraft. Currently, SpiceJet is the only carrier in India to operate Boeing’s new range of latest 737 Max planes. The carrier currently has 13 aircraft of this type in its fleet.