New Delhi: SpiceJet, one of India’s leading low-cost carriers, has announced the addition of eight Boeing 737 aircraft to its fleet in preparation for the upcoming festive and winter travel season. This latest expansion follows a previous plan to lease ten Boeing jets, bringing the airline’s total fleet growth to 18 aircraft.

The move aims to strengthen SpiceJet’s capacity to meet the expected rise in passenger demand during the peak travel period and enhance its competitive position in the domestic aviation market. Industry analysts note that increasing fleet size ahead of the festive season is a strategic approach to manage higher passenger volumes and optimize route operations.

Despite the fleet expansion, SpiceJet continues to face financial and operational challenges. The airline has been addressing outstanding disputes with lessors and creditors, including a recent repayment of $24 million to Credit Suisse and securing an $89.5 million settlement from Carlyle’s commercial aviation investment unit. Additionally, SpiceJet reported a second consecutive quarterly loss in June, partly due to lower leisure travel on certain routes amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. Delays in returning grounded aircraft to service have also added to operational hurdles.

The airline’s management emphasizes that the successful integration of the new aircraft will be crucial for meeting seasonal demand and improving overall operational efficiency. With the festive season approaching, SpiceJet aims to leverage the expanded fleet to restore customer confidence, enhance service reliability, and stabilize its financial performance.

Analysts note that while fleet growth is a positive signal, the airline’s ability to overcome financial pressures and fully utilize the new aircraft will determine its success in the highly competitive domestic aviation sector.