SpiceJet Leases 20 Aircraft to Replace Grounded Boeing 737 MAX Jets

SpiceJet is bringing in 20 aircraft on short-term leases to restore capacity after its remaining Boeing 737 MAX jets left the fleet. The Indian low-cost carrier signed agreements with three operators for 15 Boeing and five Airbus aircraft, which are expected to arrive between mid-October and mid-November under wet and damp lease arrangements.

The leased aircraft will not become part of SpiceJet's permanent owned or dry-leased fleet, but will help increase the airline's schedule to around 200 daily flights during India's winter travel season. This is a substantial plan compared with the airline's current operation, which has shrunk to only 11 active aircraft.

SpiceJet had struggled with financial problems, maintenance requirements, and disputes with lessors, leading to many of its Boeing 737s and Dash 8-400s being grounded. The situation became complicated when Chinese lessor ICBC sought the return of four 737-8s leased to SpiceJet in July.

The airline is now filling part of the capacity gap with aircraft and operational support supplied by other carriers rather than immediately returning its own grounded fleet to service. This strategy allows SpiceJet to increase flying without waiting for maintenance or committing to conventional long-term leases.