No-frill carrier SpiceJet may place a large order to acquire Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the next couple of months as part of a major expansion plan, industry sources said today.
The airline has been in talks with the US aircraft manufacturer for the past few months, sources close to the development said, adding that SpiceJet could sign an agreement with Boeing to acquire 40 of these next-generation planes worth about USD four billion according to the list prices.
However, when contacted, a SpiceJet spokesperson said, "We have no comments to offer at this point in time."
The airline currently operates a fleet of 42 Boeing 737- 900s and B-737-800s, besides 15 Bombardier Q-400s. It has more than 360 daily flights to over 55 destinations, including 10 international ones.
Industry sources said media baron Kalanithi Maran-owned carrier's plans to double its fleet was part of a massive expansion programme to take on growing competition, not only from its long-time competitor IndiGo, but also from the start -up carrier AirAsia India which, like SpiceJet, is also based in South India.
AirAsia India is likely to launch operations from the summer schedule starting April.
While IndiGo is inducting Airbus A-320 aircraft almost on a monthly basis, the other no-frill airline GoAir has also placed orders for 72 A-320neo planes. Both these airlines, besides the low-cost start-up AirAsia India, are likely to give tough competition to SpiceJet, the sources added.
