 "IndiGo seeks deferment of aircraft lease rental payments by 6 mnths: Report")
IndiGo, India's largest airline, is working with aircraft lessors for deferring lease rental payments by at least six months, news agency PTI reported quoting an unnamed source.
IndiGo, which has 259 planes in its fleet, has been hurt by India's suspension of domestic and international flights to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Airlines are grappling with acute financial woes as commercial services remain suspended in the wake of the nationwide lockdown to curb spreading of coronavirus infections.
Against this backdrop, the source said IndiGo is looking to defer payment of aircraft lease rentals to lessors.
The Gurugram-based carrier largely finances its aircraft through sale-and-lease back mode. Under this arrangement, an aircraft is sold and then taken back on lease by an airline. Generally, this arrangement helps in reducing maintenance costs related to an aircraft.
"IndiGo has been seeking to defer payment of aircraft lease rentals by at least six months. It is working towards this with its lessors," the source told PTI.
When contacted, an airline spokesperson said, "we don't comment on speculation".
As per IndiGo's December quarter earnings presentation, the net outgo towards aircraft and engine rental payments during the three months at Rs 134.30 crore.
Lease rentals and maintenance expenses, among others, are part of an airline's fixed costs. These costs accumulate irrespective of whether flights are operating or not.
At the end of December 2019, IndiGo had a total of 257 planes.
On March 26, aviation consultancy Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) estimated USD 3-3.6 billion losses for the Indian aviation industry in the first quarter of this fiscal. CAPA's report came a day after the nationwide lockdown was implemented. The lockdown, which was to initially end on April 14, has been extended till May 3.
Commercial flight services remain suspended since March 25 and only certain flight operations, including those for ferrying cargo, are allowed.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%