SpiceJet Signs MoU for 10 Aircraft, Sets Sights on Major Winter Comeback

Indian airline plans fleet expansion to 60 aircraft as capacity and market share surge

SpiceJet has taken a significant step in its recovery journey, securing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the induction of 10 aircraft as part of a broader plan to rebuild and expand its aviation operations.

The development follows the airline board’s approval of a phased fleet expansion strategy aimed at increasing the total fleet size to 60 aircraft. The plan includes a mix of wet and damp leases, where aircraft are leased with varying levels of crew and maintenance support along with the gradual return of previously grounded planes.

In the last quarter alone, SpiceJet doubled its operational capacity. Its Available Seat Kilometres (ASKMs), a key aviation metric that measures passenger-carrying capacity, jumped from 55 crore to 105 crore. The airline now plans to more than double that again, targeting 220–225 crore ASKMs by Winter 2026, while operating over 300 daily flights across domestic and international routes.

“Doubling our capacity in the last quarter has been a significant milestone,” said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer of SpiceJet. “The plans to more than double it further reflect growing confidence in the business and strong demand across the network.”

The capacity push has already lifted the airline’s market share from 2.2% to 4.3% in just three months. While its stock price remains under pressure, the aviation company is clearly focused on strengthening connectivity, improving reliability, and pursuing disciplined, sustainable growth as it charts its comeback in India’s competitive aviation market.