SpiceJet has wet leased two widebody A340 aircraft to cater to the seasonal demand of Hajj flights. The airline commenced the special Hajj flights from June 7 from five cities namely Bhopal, Gaya, Vijayawada, Aurangabad, and Srinagar.
SpiceJet plans to operate 200 of these flights, carrying around 21,000 pilgrims. The first phase of the flight began on June 7 and will last until June 22 while the second phase of return flights will begin on July 17 and last until August 2.
These two widebody aircraft will provide the airline much needed capacity for its seasonal Hajj flights coupled with its own B737 MAX fleet.
Commenting on the latest development, Ajay Singh, Chairman, SpiceJet said: “This will be our highest-ever multi-city operation and the first time we are deploying wide-body aircraft for Hajj. We are all geared up to ensure a hassle-free and delightful pilgrimage. I wish everyone a wonderful experience at Mecca this year.”
Going ahead, the airline has signed a lease agreement for ten additional Boeing 737s, with deliveries beginning in September including five 737MAX. The airline is also reviving its grounded fleet to serve the peak travel season in India towards year-end.