On revival path, SpiceJet sees return of pilots who flew the coop

New Delhi, April 2: With no-frills airline SpiceJet on a revival path following the return of Ajay Singh as its new owner, a section of its pilots who had quit the carrier last year have decided to rejoin the job.

As many as 14 pilots who had quit the carrier last year due to salary delays have come back to the airline with a SpiceJet spokesperson confirming the development when contacted. [SpiceJet receives Rs 500 crore from new owner Ajay Singh]

"The return of some of these pilots would help SpiceJet as it is in the process of inducting seven more Boeing 737 planes in the fleet," sources, meanwhile, said. [Spicejet agrees to out-of-court settlement with plane lessors]

Some 40-odd SpiceJet pilots, including commanders, had quit between May and June of last year over the uncertainty surrounding the future of the airline at the time.

The airline currently has a fleet strength of 32 aircraft, comprising 17 Boeing-737s and 15 Bombardier Q400s.

SpiceJet at one point had a total of 54 aircraft, including 39 Boeing 737 planes.

The airline is now in the process of leasing seven more planes, which are expected to be inducted into the fleet by May.

PTI