SpiceJet to lease 16 additional 737-800s

SpiceJet will lease 16 additional Boeing 737-800s to cover capacity shortages caused by the grounding of its 737 Max jets and to facilitate further growth. The carrier says it has applied for no-objection certificates from the DGCA to allow it to import the 737s. Subject to that approval, the first of the jets should join the fleet in the next 10 days. SpiceJet did not identify which lessors are supplying the additional aircraft but appeared to point to the rapid decline of rival Jet Airways’ operations as a factor driving the decision. “The sudden reduction of aviation capacity has created a challenging environment in the sector,” says the airline’s chairman and MD Ajay Singh. “SpiceJet is committed to working closely with the govt authorities to augment capacity and minimise passenger inconvenience.” <br/>