IndiGo transports over 2.1 Mn vaccine doses in

 IndiGo transports over 2.1 Mn vaccine doses in 8 days across 16 locations

In-line with its commitment to provide support to the nation in the current scenario, India’s largest airline, IndiGo transported a total 5,785 kg of shipments from SII and Bharat Bio-tech - vaccine vials equating to 21.60 lacs doses - between January 12, 2021 and January 19, 2021. The shipments were moved from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune to 16 locations across the country including, Vijayawada, Guwahati, Patna, Odisha, Raipur, Bhopal, Thiruvananthapuram, Indore, Imphal, Agartala, Chandigarh and Udaipur via 21 IndiGo flights.

Mr. Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, “We are honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the vaccination drive, by transporting the shipments across 16 locations within the country. We will continue to partake in moving the vaccines from one part of the country to another. We look forward to supporting the nation in its hour of need”.

Impact of COVID-19 on SpiceJet Q1 Results

Impact of COVID-19 on SpiceJet Q1 Results – posts loss due to flight suspension

Cargo revenue more than doubles

Company launches aggressive cost reduction plan

For the Quarter ending June 2020

·         EBIDTAR profit of INR 13.5 Cr

·         Revenue from cargo increased by 144%

·         Operating loss of INR 568.3 crore, net loss of INR 593.4 crore compared to a net profit of INR 261.7 crore in the same period last year

·         Registers industry’s highest domestic load factor of 66.4%

·         Capacity (in terms of seat kilometre) contracted by 90%

·         Revenue from operations fall by 83% due to COVID-19

·         Non-cash Ind-AS 116 impact of INR 25.1 crore

Key highlights

·         Continues to maintain market share of above 16% despite Covid-19 impact

·         Re-structuring of aircraft leases and early return of aircraft thereby having long term saving impact on costs

·         Emerged as India’s No. 1 Air Cargo airline

·         Likely return to service of the MAX in fourth quarter of FY2021 to boost operations

·         Received approval from DGCA to conduct drone trials, launches all-new frequent flyer program, complimentary in-flight entertainment system

·         Actively using Ras Al-Khaimah airport as a hub for cargo & passenger operations

Current Highlights

·         Operating 47% of pre-covid schedule post restart of operations

·         Operating a fleet of 13 cargo aircraft including two wide-body planes. Launches long-haul wide-body cargo operations

·         Largest air cargo airline, with carriage of 50,000 tonnes of cargo on more than 7000 flights

·         Cargo network spans over 63 domestic and 44 international destinations

·         Designated as an Indian scheduled carrier to operate to US and UK. Secured slots at London Heathrow airport

·         Operated successful long-haul repatriation charter flights to London, Rome, Amsterdam & Toronto since August 1, 2020

·          Operated more than 800 charter flights to repatriate over 1,20,000 Indian nationals stranded abroad

SpiceJet, India’s favourite airline and the largest air cargo operator, reported a net loss of INR 593.4 crore in the first quarter of FY21 against a profit of INR 261.7 crore in the same quarter of the previous year as flight operations remained suspended for most part of the quarter following the nationwide lockdown. 

Operating revenue was INR 514.7 crore for the reported quarter as against INR 3,002.1 crore in the same quarter last year. For the same comparative period, operating expenses were INR 1303.2 crore as against INR 2,887.2 crore. On an EBITDA basis, loss was INR 11 crore for the reported quarter as against profit of INR 747.5 crore for the corresponding quarter last year. On an EBITDAR basis, the profit was INR 13.5 crore for the reported quarter as against profit of INR 812.1 crore for the same quarter last year. The present operating environment on account of Covid-19 though does not reflect the true comparison of the current results with those of corresponding quarter last year.

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, “This is the worst-ever crisis to hit the aviation sector but I am pleased that SpiceJet continues to innovate and outperform the industry. Flight operations were suspended for most part of the quarter and the partial resumption of flights initially and the weak demand thereafter was a reminder of the significant problems that this pandemic has resulted in.”

“As expected, Team SpiceJet showed remarkable resilience to deal with a crisis situation, once again. Our performance during the last six months clearly signifies our positive attitude and our ability to find opportunity in adversity. This has seen us quickly bounce back with industry best load factors and emerge as India’s number one cargo company. I am confident that as more and more States ease travel restrictions and business activity gets back to normal there will be a significant improvement in the operating environment for airlines and we are witnessing some early encouraging signs towards recovery. I expect our cargo business to continue to expand in the coming quarters. I am also encouraged by the progress made in the re-entry of Boeing’s Max aircraft into service.” 

In terms of operational parameters, SpiceJet had the best passenger load factor amongst all airlines in the country during the quarter. The average domestic load factor for the quarter was 66.4% and the airline maintained its market share of above 16% despite the impact of Covid-19 thus demonstrating robust operating parameters.

Key business updates         

SpiceJet played a key role in keeping the country’s supply chain intact during the lockdown period besides playing a key in helping our fellow citizens in every possible manner.

Till date, SpiceJet has operated over 800 charter and Vande Bharat flights to help repatriate more than 1,20,000 stranded Indian citizens from countries such as Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Netherlands, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka. SpiceJet also operated long haul wide body charter operations with a fleet of A330/A340 aircraft.

SpiceJet established itself as country’s largest cargo operator and operated more than 7000 flights and transported around 50,000 tonnes of cargo since March 25, 2020. Out of these 7000 flights, 40% were to international destinations. In addition to handling its regular cargo business, it also transported surgical supplies, sanitizers, face masks, coronavirus rapid test kits, IR thermometers etc. and providing doorstep deliveries of essential supplies, medicines and medical equipment to various cities in India at a time when most people wouldn’t venture out of their homes. The airline also contributed in a big way to support the government’s ‘Krishi Udan’ and ‘Marine Krishi Udaan’ initiatives, thereby lending a helping hand to Indian farmers, by carrying a record 9662 MTs of shrimp & farm produce during the lockdown period.

On April 7, 2020, SpiceJet operated the India’s first cargo-on-seat flight carrying vital supplies in passenger cabin and belly space. Since then, the airline has been regularly deploying its B737 and Q400 passenger aircraft to carry cargo in the passenger cabin.

SpiceJet’s international cargo network now spans over 44 international destinations that include Almaty, Abu Dhabi, Baghdad, Bahrain, Bangkok, Bishkek, Cambodia, Cairo, Cebu, Chad, Colombo, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Huangzhou, Incheon, Jakarta, Kabul, Kathmandu, Khartoum, Kyrgyzstan, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Male, Myanmar, Shanghai, Singapore, Sharjah, Sulaymaniyah, Tashkent, Ukraine, among others. The airline has been actively using Ras Al-Khaimah airport as a hub for its cargo operations.

With an aim to address the increased demand, SpiceJet converted 6 Q400 passenger aircraft into freighters, perfectly suited for operations to Tier II & III cities and to remote and hilly areas in the North East, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh.

Another major milestone for SpiceXpress, the airline’s dedicated cargo arm, was to receive the permission from DGCA to conduct drone trials. With this, the airline aims to provide quicker, faster and cost-effective delivery of medical, pharma and essential supplies and e-commerce products, especially to remote areas.  

SpiceJet brings home 135 Indian students

SpiceJet brings home 135 Indian students
stranded in Kyrgyzstan

Over 1500 students stuck in Kyrgyzstan for over two months to be brought back over the next few days

Airline coordinating with film actor Sonu Sood for the repatriation mission

·         SpiceJet flight from Bishkek to Varanasi carrying 135 students to arrive today

·         To operate multiple charter flights from Bishkek to various Indian cities

SpiceJet, the country’s favourite airline and the biggest air cargo operator, will operate nine charter flights to evacuate over 1500 Indian students stranded in Kyrgyzstan for over two months. This special repatriation mission to help bring back home stranded Indian students from Kyrgyzstan has been undertaken by SpiceJet in association with film actor Sonu Sood.

SpiceJet operated the first charter flight from Bishkek to bring back 135 students to their hometown of Varanasi today. The airline will be operating more charter flights from Bishkek to various Indian cities in the coming days.

Ajay Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, “SpiceJet will be operating multiple flights in the coming days to bring our students, stuck in Kyrgyzstan for over two months, back home. These flights will be operated in association with Sonu Sood, our reel life and real life hero. Through and post lockdown, both SpiceJet and Sonu have worked non-stop to help our fellow citizens and I am glad that we have come together to help reunite Indian nationals with their families in these times of extreme crisis.”

Amidst the greatest crisis ever to hit global aviation, SpiceJet has emerged as India’s Number One Cargo Company. When most wouldn’t venture out of their homes, SpiceJet has operated over 4300 cargo flights and transported over 24,000 tons of cargo – this is more than double of all domestic airlines combined together – carrying medicines and medical equipment and fruits and vegetables to all corners of India and the world.

SpiceJet has operated over 400 charter flights to help repatriate close to 65,000 stranded citizens from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon and Sri Lanka. The airline has operated multiple flights for seafarers in addition to operating several charters within the country. In addition, SpiceJet has also operated many domestic charter flights to help foreign nationals reach key metros like Delhi from where they could fly back to their respective countries.

In addition to the charter flights, SpiceJet has been actively participating in the Vande Bharat Mission. The airline is operating 25 flights under VBM to bring back more than 4500 Indian nationals from Ras Al-Khaimah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Muscat and Dammam to Ahmedabad, Goa and Jaipur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai.

SpiceJet operates 200 charter flights helps

SpiceJet operates 200 charter flights; helps repatriate close to 30,000 Indian nationals

·         Operates 175 charter flights in June

·         Has operated 111 charter flights from UAE bringing back 20,000 Indians

·         Has operated around 50 charter flights from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, Sri Lanka to bring thousands back home

·         Operates multiple domestic charter flights

·         Operates multiple charter flights for seafarers

SpiceJet, the country’s favourite airline and the biggest air cargo operator, has operated 200 charter flights playing a key role to help Indians stranded abroad return home and reunite with their families. The airline has helped repatriate close to 30,000 Indian nationals so far.

SpiceJet has operated charter flights from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon and Sri Lanka helping stranded Indian nationals fly back home. The airline has operated multiple charter flights for seafarers in addition to operating multiple charters within the country. SpiceJet has also operated multiple domestic charter flights to help foreign nationals reach key metros like Delhi from where they could fly back to their respective countries.

In June alone, SpiceJet operated a total of 175 charter flights.

Ajay Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, “SpiceJet is proud to have played a small role in repatriating around 30,000 Indian nationals and helping them reunite with their families. We continue to operate multiple charters on a daily basis and remain dedicated in our efforts to facilitate the return of our fellow citizens back home. This pandemic has seen SpiceJet rise to the occasion as and when our services have been required. We have transported around 20,000 tons of cargo since March 25 this year carrying medicines and medical equipment and fruits and vegetables to all corners of India and the world.”

SpiceJet’s international cargo network now spans over 40 countries with the airline operating regular flights to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kabul, Kyrgyzstan, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Myanmar, Moscow, Shanghai, Singapore, Sharjah, Tashkent and a host of other places.

SpiceJet operated the country’s first cargo-on-seat flight on April 7 carrying vital supplies in passenger cabin & belly space. Since then, the airline has been regularly deploying its B737 and Q400 passenger aircraft to carry cargo in the passenger cabin.

*The 200 charter flights don’t include those operated under Vande Bharat by SpiceJet

SpiceJet all set to resume operations from

SpiceJet all set to resume operations from May 25

·         To operate flights to 41 destinations including all UDAN routes

·         Airline well prepared for a safe & healthy take-off post lockdown

·         To implement strict in-flight & on-ground health and safety measures for passengers and staff

·         Will operate 204 daily and 1431 weekly flights

·         Bookings open

SpiceJet, the country’s favourite airline, is all geared up to resume operations post lockdown starting May 25, 2020 and is committed to providing the highest level of healthy, safe and secure flying experience with minimal contact to its passengers and staff. The airline will strictly adhere to social distancing norms and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid down by the government to ensure a top-level, clean and sanitised flying experience.

To start with, the airline will operate flights to 41 domestic destinations operating an average 204 daily and 1431 weekly flights. SpiceJet will be operating flights on all its UDAN routes.

SpiceJet has decided to introduce a slew of in-flight and on-ground modifications in line with the global best practices and Government SOPs to minimise human contact and ensure safe travel for its passengers.  

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said, “I am happy to announce the resumption of our passenger operations from May 25 after a two month-long lockdown-imposed hiatus. Your favourite airline is ready to spread its wings again and fly you safely to your destination. We are committed to providing the highest level of cleanliness and a safe, secure and healthy flying experience to our passengers and staff. We will strictly adhere to social distancing norms and SOPs laid down by the Government to ensure the best, the cleanest and the most sanitised flying experience.”

“Flying was and remains the safest mode of public transport. We eagerly await to welcome our guests onboard and to serve them again. I wish and hope that SpiceJet grows stronger in the times to come and contributes to the country’s economic might.”

SpiceJet has implemented the best-in-class cleaning procedures on all its aircraft in addition to disinfecting customer touch points and surfaces before every flight. The cleaning procedure for flights includes a thorough wipe down using an effective, high-grade, Boeing-approved disinfectant across aircraft interiors including the places customers touch most – the tray tables, seat covers, armrests, seatbelts, window shades and lavatories and their knobs.

All SpiceJet aircraft now have synthetic leather seats. These non-porous seats don’t allow the COVID-19 virus to penetrate inside them and can be easily wiped off compared to standard fabric seats.

Our planes are equipped with state-of-the-art air circulation systems and the cabin airflow in our aircraft rule out spread of any air-borne disease. The cabin air only flows from top to bottom and gets absorbed at the bottom for filtration. Cabin air is constantly exchanged with a mix of 50% outside air and 50% filtered air. This air exchange happens every 2-3 minutes to ensure the availability of fresh and clean air. All our aircraft use a high-efficiency (HEPA) filter (like those found in hospitals) which removes up to 99.9+% of airborne particles like viruses and bacteria.

All our crew members and ground services personnel will undergo a detailed health check-up and will be wearing protective gears to deliver a safe travel experience.  

As an added precaution, SpiceJet has decided to temporarily suspend Food and Beverage services on all its flights. Food and beverage consumption inside the flight is also not allowed and SpiceJet recommends that they be consumed at home or at the airport premises.  

Check out how SpiceJet & Boeing present the most advanced Air Circulation System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnoix1mNr6g&feature=youtu.be

In sync with the best practices of social distancing, the airline will reduce the number of people in its airport coaches by 50% and has made web check-in mandatory thereby avoiding queues at airports. Besides, passengers will be allowed only one hand baggage and one check-in luggage (not more than 20 kg) which will have to be added during the web check-in process. Passengers will be encouraged to self-scan boarding passes and can also travel with their mobile boarding passes.

Following pre-boarding, we will board back-to-front by rows, but will space out customers to minimize crowding in the gate area and on the aerobridge.

Among other safety measures, wearing a mask and downloading the Aarogya Setu App will be mandatory for passengers. A temperature check will be done before entering the terminal building and only passenger with a green status on the Aarogya Setu App will be allowed. Passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours prior to departure as the check-in and luggage drop counters will be closed 60 minutes before the departure time and boarding gates will close 20 mins before departure time.

The health and safety of our customers and crewmembers is our top priority. In case a passenger does not feel well, it is advised they do not fly until cleared to travel by a doctor.

Since early January, SpiceJet has ensured that all its aircraft were deep cleaned extensively with Boeing approved disinfectants before each boarding. We, at SpiceJet are completely ready to fly our passengers and have put together extensive you measures to deliver industry-leading cleanliness, prioritize the well-being of our guests and innovate for a healthier tomorrow.

IndiGo operates relief flights at own cost

IndiGo operates relief flights at own cost in the service of the nation

In its continuous endeavour to provide support to the nation in the current scenario, IndiGo has been authorised to operate over 30 relief flights in the country. These flights have been successful in carrying and supplying the medical equipment and other requisite resources across the country, while adhering to all the precautionary measures. The airline has been allowed by the government to carry cargo in their planes, to fly food, medicine and medical equipment in the country’s battle against the pandemic. These flights are being operated by the company at its own cost

Mr. Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, “We are humbled and gratified that despite the lockdown, we have so far been authorized to operate at our own cost over thirty emergency relief flights carrying medical equipment and supplies from one part of the country to another. 

We know how critical it is for health workers in every corner of the country to get immediate access to medical supplies, and we are grateful to be allowed to play a role, however modest, in this supply chain. 

Our 27,000 employees are standing just a little bit taller, knowing that we are able to mobilize our resources to make a small contribution to the health and well-being of our nation. 

The employees of IndiGo would also like to salute our colleagues over at Air India, for the heroic work they have been doing in evacuating Indians and other nationals stranded in foreign countries. It makes us all proud to see aviation professionals stepping forward to respond to the critical humanitarian needs of the hour.”