SpiceJet seeks 7,000 more seats to Qatar

Kalanithi Maran-promoted low-cost carrier SpiceJet has sought regulatory approvals for 7,000 seats a week to Qatar in order to expand its operations in the Gulf as it expects more funds to flow in from certain investors who have evinced an interest in the carrier.

“We have asked DGCA for approving 7,000 seats per week to Qatar for our airline. We are also in talks ( with investors) for funds. We will disclose it as and when we take a decision,” SpiceJet’s chief operating officer Sanjiv Kapoor said at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday.

The airline currently flies to Dubai, Sharjah and Muscat in the Gulf. Kapoor said the airline was considering flyimg to Dhaka and Hongkong as well and would add more flights to Dubai when repair work on the runways there is completed.

“We may add more frequencies to Kabul and resume flights to Bangkok when the political situation improves. We are also working on increasing the frequency of flights in the domestic market over the next few months,” he added.

Regarding its fleet induction programme, Kapoor said the airline would have 38 Boeing 737s by year- end.

Besides it already operates 15, 78- seater Bombardier Q- 400s.

SpiceJet also announced its partnership with air catering firm TajSats and Cafe Coffee Day to offer meals and snacks on its flights from May 23. ” The in- flight meal could be booked on its website at a discounted rate of up to 25 per cent. Prebooking of food would be available up to 24 hours before the flight departure.” he said.

The airline denied that it was selling some of its slots to Qatar Airways or to any other airline.

Spicejet on Friday sent a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange stating that it is not in discussion with Qatar Airways for the sale of overseas slots, as reported by an Indian news agency.