SpiceJet Eyes More International Routes

Friday, 1st November 2013 at 04:39am

Though India's local aviation industry has hit a snag in recent years, this has not prevented SpiceJet to pursue its expansion program with the planned opening of two more international routes before the fiscal year ends.

The budget airline is planning to add Dammam and Kuala Lumpur to its expanding global network. Aside from the two additional routes, it will also increase daily frequencies on existing international routes to 42 flights per day by March of next year from the current 28.

According to the airline senior vice-president, V Raja, SpiceJet is also looking for foreign direct investment opportunities. The announcement came on the heels of the airline's launching of its daily service to Bangkok from Bangalore and Pune on Monday.

Bangkok becomes its 10th destination overseas.

While not giving details, the airline executive said they will probably start flying to Dammam and Kuala Lumpur within the fiscal year. On top of that, it will also increase frequencies to some international destinations based on current performance of these routes.

Mr. Raja also disclosed that they are looking for a strategic partner in their future endeavors. However, he didn't give straight answer when asked whether there are ongoing negotiations between them and foreign-based carriers for possible investment.

Qatar Airways was rumored before to have negotiated with SpiceJet for possible alliance but just died down when nothing concrete happened between the two.

In a recent report by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, SpiceJet was only able to make a modest profit during the first quarter of this year. Given the weak market, it may be raking in another loss in the second quarter.

The airline officials, however, remain optimistic and based on the current company report, it will heavily rely on its growing global footprint.

By: Pete Lee.