SpiceJet COO Sanjiv Kapoor quits

Kapoor initiated a series of flash sales and marketing campaigns to raise the airline's profile, sell inventory and cut losses

SpiceJet’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sanjiv Kapoor has resigned from his position.

The airline said Kapoor would leave the company on Saturday. It could not be ascertained where Kapoor is headed and who takes his place.

Kapoor joined SpiceJet in October 2013, after stints in GMG Airlines of Bangladesh and consultancy firms. Back then, the airline was under control of the Sun Group. Under Kapoor, the airline launched a series of flash sales, branding and marketing campaigns, increasing its profile.

Through these measures, the airline increased its load factors and market share, and helped reduce losses. Kapoor defended the flash sales by saying these would help sell otherwise unsold inventory. A cash crunch last December forced its owner, Kalanithi Maran, to sell the airline to founder-promoter Ajay Singh in January.

Unlike Maran, Singh has been in direct control of the airline’s operations. Under Singh, the airline also saw a revival, with a profitable first quarter performance. It was speculated that Kapoor would exit soon after a takeover by Singh but he stayed.

“After overcoming significant challenges and under the new ownership, SpiceJet has been a catalyst behind world-leading market growth in India. Because of SpiceJet, competition has been alive in the Indian airline sector,” Kapoor stated.