Even as costs are lower, demand weakness likely to keep airlines in the red for most of FY21
Only those flying cargo aircraft will be paid according to the hours they fly
In a release dated April 15, SpiceJet had said that it was operating its first-ever B737 cargo freighter flight to China to carry Covid-19 related essential medical supplies from Shanghai to Hyderabad
One of the leasing companies started to pull out a few planes earlier this year after SpiceJet failed to pay maintenance fees due since late last year
Four of the country's top six airlines, which together control 80 per cent of the local market, are selling domestic flight tickets for as soon as the third week of May
Aircraft lease rentals account for around 15 per cent of an airline's overall expense and since these are paid in dollars are also subject to currency fluctuation.
Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in a tweet on Sunday that airline services shall remain suspended even after the lockdown is lifted on May 3.
It is the first such service in India. The plane will complete five rounds today
Low-cost airline SpiceJet had announced a 30 per cent pay cut for employees for March and announced "leave without pay' during March 25-31
In case there is any change based on the direction provided by the regulator, he said, "we will abide to the policies and notify guests accordingly.
The airline's Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh, has also opted for a 30% cut in his March salary
As tough as it seems, most Indian carriers have already announced a pay cut for their employees, SpiceJet said
As a precautionary measure, the spokesperson said, all crew and staff who had been in direct contact with him have been asked to self-quarantine by staying at home for the next 14 days.
Puts ratings for three airports "under watch negative"
The move is part of the nationwide lockdown that the government has imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus. India had banned international flights for a week on March 20.
The spokesperson said the airline's Kolkata-Dhaka flight would continue to operate as per schedule.
SpiceJet on Friday signed an agreement with GHASL for developing the facility
InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of the country's largest airline IndiGo, saw its shares slump 14.08 per cent to hit 52-week low of Rs 875
Sharp fall in crude oil prices, however, is a positive
Flight occupancy and fresh bookings have dropped over ten per cent in last few days as individuals and corporates defer trips. International travel is already hit due to a series of visa restrictions