Twelve SpiceJet pilots withdraw resignations

This, after the airline resumed timely payment of salaries

Twelve SpiceJet pilots who quit last year have withdrawn their resignation after the airline resumed timely payment of salaries, it claimed.

The airline has around 450 pilots. About 40 quit last November as the airline cut down its fleet and struggled to pay salaries and vendors, due to a cash crunch. Pilots need to serve a six-month notice. The airline had even waived notice period for those who wanted to exit immediately.

“We can confirm 12 pilots have withdrawn their resignations. Staff salaries, too, are being paid on time. We will be inducting seven Boeing 737 planes on lease in the next two months,” said a spokesperson.  

The airline has a fleet of 17 Boeing 737s and 15 Bombardier Q400s. It operates about 210 flights daily. It plans to raise the number of daily flights to 280 in the summer schedule.

SpiceJet underwent a change of management in January with founder Ajay Singh taking over the reins from Sun Group. Singh, along with other investors, has infused Rs 400 crore into the airline to help it clear dues and is expected to totally invest Rs 1,400 crore by April-end.