Spicejet to expand Boeing 737 fleet

Spicejet is likely to buy new planes from Boeing in order to maintain a fleet of the same make in a move that would help the Gurgaon-based, low-fare carrier to extract better value in case it integrates its operations with another no-frill airline in the future. A SpiceJet official, requesting anonymity, said, an internal committee, which was constituted to suggest on the type of planes (Boeing, Airbus or a mix) to be bought, has given its recommendations in favour of Boeing. However, a final decision will be taken soon, he added.

SpiceJet had ordered 30 aircraft since it began operations in May 2005. It runs 125 daily flights to 18 cities across the country with 19 Boeing 737 planes. It plans to induct one aircraft early next year and will add another eight by March 2012, SpiceJet chief commercial officer Samyukth Sridharan said. SpiceJet will begin its international operations next year. There is speculation that SpiceJet might integrate its operations with JetLite that has a fleet of Boeing aircraft, which both companies denied. Analysts said, SpiceJet may go in for an operational integration, if not a full-fledged merger, with another low-fare carrier in the near future.

Kingfisher Airlines launches Pune-Goa flight

Kingfisher Airlines launched its direct flight service on the virgin air route of Pune-Goa from July 1. This is for the first time that both the destinations would be connected directly via air. The flights will operate six days a week except on Saturdays, an official release said. The flights between Pune and Goa are being operated as Kingfisher Red service which is an unique class of low fare flying. It offers guests a whole host of benefits besides the trademark Kingfisher service at low fares, the release adds. The flights are conveniently timed with the flight, IT 2801 departing from Pune at 12 noon and arriving in Goa at 1:15 pm. The return flight, IT 2802 will take off from Goa at 1:45 pm and reach Pune at 3 pm and then fly onwards to Indore and arrive there at 4:50 pm.

Martinair starts cargo flights to Chennai

Dutch freighter specialist Martinair Cargo has added Chennai, India to its Asia Pacific services. The carrier now operates a B747-400 ERF Hong Kong – Chennai – Sharjah – Amsterdam twice weekly on Thursday and Saturday, leaving Amsterdam for Hong Kong via Sharjah on Wednesday and Friday. Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the east coast of southern India.