SpiceJet sends 80 pilots on leave without pay for three mths to prune costs

Loss making airline is currently operating less than half its flights, following a July 27 DGCA order brought on by a spate of incidents

SpiceJet has sent about 80 pilots on leave without pay for three months to rationalise its costs, the loss-making airline said.

The airline has been reporting losses for the past four years and is operating less than 50 per cent flights, following the July 27 order of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the wake of mishaps.

While the airline has 90-odd planes in its fleet, it is using around 50 a day to operate flights.

Sources said the airline has sent around 40 B737 aircraft pilots and another 40 Q400 aircraft pilots on leave without pay for three months.

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