In one of the biggest deals in the Indian aviation sector, SpiceJet will purchase up to 205 new aircraft from Boeing with the order valued at Rs 1,50,000 crore that will help the low-cost carrier tap into India’s booming air travel market.
With the earlier order for 55 planes and additional 100 new 737-8 MAX aircraft, the no-frills carrier now has firmed up order for a total of 155 planes, besides purchase rights for 50 B737-8 MAX and wide body aircraft.
Announcing the deal today, SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said the total order of 205 aircraft is valued at Rs 1,50,000 crore (USD 22 billion).
Currently, the budget carrier has 32 next generation B737s and 17 Bombardier Q400s. “We are honoured to build upon more than a decade of partnership with SpiceJet with their commitment of up to 205 airplanes,” Boeing Company Vice Chairman Ray Conner said.
An agreement with SpiceJet, which has a current fleet of 40 planes, would be a much-needed boost for Boeing in India, as its rival Airbus has won record-sized orders with IndiGo, India’s biggest budget airline, as well as a recent deal with GoAir.