The Collaboration Is For Return to Service of its 737-8 MAX Aircraft
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, December 20, 2024: SpiceJet has entered into a services agreement with StandardAero Inc., a leading U.S.-based engine MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) provider and a ‘Premier MRO’ provider for CFM LEAP-1B engines. This collaboration will enable the restoration of SpiceJet's grounded Boeing 737-8 MAX fleet.
The agreement follows successful arrangements with CFM International, Inc., the OEM for LEAP-1B engines, and the lessor for the 737 MAX aircraft. These developments pave the way for the un-grounding and return to service of three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft by April 2025.
This initiative is a key part of SpiceJet's strategic efforts to restore its fleet, enhance operational capabilities, and support its rapid expansion plans.
As part of the global deal, CFM International will provide material and support services for these LEAP-1B engines for restoration of the engines, underscoring its collaborative partnership with the airline.
This collaboration and restructuring aligns with SpiceJet’s robust fleet restoration strategy, which has seen rapid progress. In the past two months, SpiceJet has resolved disputes with multiple prominent lessors, including Export Development Canada, Engine Lease Finance Corporation, Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management, Aircastle (Ireland), Wilmington Trust SP Services (Dublin) Limited, Shannon Engine Support Limited and Genesis.
These agreements underscore the airline’s single-minded focus on achieving operational resilience and sustainable growth and its relentless efforts to restore its fleet and expand its operations.
Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, “We are pleased to announce this important milestone in our fleet restoration efforts. The collaboration with StandardAero, CFM International and the lessor is a testament to our commitment to make progressive moves and ensuring the timely return to service of our aircraft. The return of three fuel-efficient 737 MAX aircraft will not only strengthen our operations but also provide a significant boost to our financial health.”
Lewis Prebble, President – Airlines & Fleets for StandardAero Inc., said, “We are delighted to partner with SpiceJet and contribute towards their impressive and extraordinary journey of recovery. We look forward to expanding our relationship by providing MRO services supporting LEAP-1B engines, as well as collaborating on their other fleet types.”
SpiceJet has embarked on a multi-pronged approach to fleet restoration, prioritizing network expansion, passenger convenience, and operational reliability. With the upcoming return of these fuel-saving aircraft, the airline is poised to gain formidable position in the aviation market. SpiceJet’s network expansion strategy has already resulted in the addition of more than 50 new flights in the past two months, and the return of these aircraft will further fuel this momentum.
The airline’s efforts are progressing in the right direction, with significant progress being made in a short period. The return to service of the three 737 MAX aircraft will further augment SpiceJet's operations, enabling the airline to offer its passengers more flights, destinations, and frequencies.
StandardAero supports the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines as a CFM ‘Premier MRO’ provider, having signed the first North American non-airline CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B in March 2023. The company’s San Antonio facility now offers a full range of LEAP quick time shop visit (QTSV) and performance restoration shop visit (PRSV) services, including engine testing.
