SpiceJet (SG, Delhi International) announced on November 17 that it had agreed with Boeing (BOE, Washington National) to settle outstanding claims related to the grounding of its B737 MAX fleet.
The indebted Indian low-cost carrier said in a short statement: “The company is pleased to announce that it has entered into a settlement agreement with Boeing, wherein Boeing has agreed to provide certain accommodations and settle the outstanding claims related to the grounding of 737 MAX aircraft and its return to service.”
It added, without elaborating further: “This paves the way for the induction of efficient and younger MAX aircraft into the company’s fleet and ensures the resumption of new aircraft deliveries from our order of 155 MAX aircraft.”
India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said on August 26 that it had cleared B737-8 and B737-9 jets for a return to service in the country. SpiceJet, the only current Indian operator of MAX aircraft, has so far taken delivery of thirteen -8s, the ch-aviation fleets module shows. It has an additional 129 units on direct order from Boeing and plans to take a total of 155 aircraft, including the thirteen already delivered.
SpiceJet did not divulge the terms of the deal with the United States manufacturer. However, on the same day, sources close to the matter claimed to the Business Standard newspaper that the airline would receive money, maintenance support, and two freighters from Boeing.
At the time of going to press, Boeing had not released a statement of its own related to SpiceJet. However, when ch-aviation asked for comment, Boeing responded: “Please note that while we can confirm that the agreement has been reached, we cannot comment on the content of the agreement.” SpiceJet did not respond to a request for comment.
The airline’s announcement came one day after billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed Akasa Air (QP, Mumbai International) revealed it had placed an order with Boeing for seventy-two B737 MAX jets.
