SpiceJet launches direct flight between Pune, Sharjah

The move comes on the heels of launching Ahmedabad-Muscat flight two weeks ago

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After launching Ahmadabad-Muscat flight two weeks ago, Sun Group owned Spice Jet has launched Pune-Sharjah direct flight. This is the first international launch of SpiceJet from Pune. Also, within a weeks time, SpiceJet is launching another direct flight from Pune to Bangkok.  

Also, Spice Jet is in talks with Sharjah-based low-cost carrier Air Arabia for an “interline" arrangement, which means a deal under which the same ticket covers different legs of the journey flown by different airlines or mutual transfer of passengers.

Currently, Pune has only two direct international flights to Frankfurt and Dubai. SpiceJet shall be operating four days per week direct flights from Pune. It currently offers service to Sharjah from two cities of Uttar Pradesh -Lucknow and Varanasi.

Speaking about this, V Raja, senior vice president, commercial, SpiceJet Ltd said, "SpiceJet has been rapidly expanding its global footprint in the recent past with the addition of several foreign cities in the Middle Eastern and Asian regions on to its network. After Mumbai, Pune is the important city in Maharashtra. Considering the growth of Pune, it is a high time to have share in city's development. Other international flights from Pune are doing good business. We want to be a largest operator from Pune. After consulting with MCCIA (Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture), we have decided to launch this flight. Sharjah is a gateway point for UAE and we can see Pune as a major transit hub in near future."

At present, capacity is a major constraint at airports like Pune and government is taking efforts to improve connectivity to areas like Mumbai, Pune, Goa and Patna.

Commenting on this, Pune airport issues, Raja added, '"As per re-carpeting of the airport is concern, we may face some issues. There are some constraints of slots. It is not an easy task. But we will make necessary arrangements to overcome this. Also, we  are talking to few airlines like Air Arabia and Tiger Airlines for significant tie ups. This will help us to make few Indian cities as a transit hub. SpiceJet flight SG 051 will depart Pune Airport at 10:30 pm, reaching at Sharjah International Airport at 12:25 am (local time). The return flight, SG 052, will depart Sharjah at 1:25am arriving in Pune at 6 a.m (Local Time)."