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SpiceJet accepts first of up to 205 on-order B737 MAXs
October 19th 2018
Boeing has delivered the maiden of up to 205 on-order B737 MAXs to India's SpiceJet. Read More » The aircraft, VT-MAX, was ferried from Seattle to the airline's New Delhi base via Magadan, deep in Russia's Far East.
"We are excited to take delivery of our very first 737 MAX 8," said SpiceJet chairman and managing director, Ajay Singh. "The induction of our first MAX is a huge milestone in SpiceJet's journey. These new airplanes will enable us to open new routes, while reducing fuel and engineering costs, as well as emissions. The 737 MAX will dramatically reduce noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Passengers will benefit from a large number of premium seats and, for the first time in India, broadband internet on board," the SpiceJet boss added.
This is the first of up to 205 B737 MAX airplanes SpiceJet has announced with Boeing. The Indian LCC hopes the MAX will lower its emissions output, which is a key initiative for the carrier as it looks to increase regional and international routes.
SpiceJet's new MAXs arrive at a time when India's commercial aviation market continues to grow at significant rates. According to industry data, domestic air traffic in India has grown about 20% in each of the past four years with an upward growth trajectory going forward.
"India is a fast growing market for commercial airplanes and services," said senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing for The Boeing Company, Ihssane Mounir. "The 737 MAX for SpiceJet is the perfect airplane for this market and it will become a key ingredient for long-term success, especially as oil prices continues to put pressure on airlines. The market-leading efficiency and reliability of the MAX will pay immediate dividends for SpiceJet's commercial operations," the Boeing salesman added.
SpiceJet says its CFM International LEAP-1B powered MAX 8s will produce 14% fuel savings vis-a-vis its current B737NG fleet and can fly 19% farther.
SpiceJet has firm orders for 155 B737 MAXs and purchase rights for an additional 50 aircraft.
The airline has performed a remarkable turnaround over the past two years. In 2016, SpiceJet was close to filing for insolvency.
In preparation for the B737 MAX, SpiceJet signed up for Boeing Global Services' flight simulator and maintenance training. The airline also employs Onboard Performance Tool, powered by Boeing AnalytX, which allows flight crews and ground personnel to perform real-time calculations based on current weather and runway conditions, improving efficiency and maximizing payloads.
