Indian low-cost carrier is set to graduate to a ‘hybrid’ airline with the introduction of a new business class seat from May 11.
In an pre-launch message on Twitter, the Gurugram-based carrier announced SpiceBiz, “a business class experience for the discerning flyer”.
SpiceJet presents SpiceBiz, a business class experience for the discerning flyer! We’re blending superior service – 2X2 cabin, gourmet meals & beverages, lounge access & more – with a dash of unmatched value. Book now & usher in the future! pic.twitter.com/JCH583fRnz
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) May 8, 2019
Spicejet said its new offering will have a 2X2 cabin, gourmet meals and beverages, priority check-in and lounge access.
Bookings for the new service are available from May 11 it said.
According to the SpiceJet website, the airline is offering business class tickets on domestic routes for now between major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
The carrier will use Boeing 737NGs formerly operated by Jet Airways, which it took on lease recently. They came with business class seating configurations, and so had to do “only minimal additional work” to launch business class in those planes.
Depending on the aircraft configuration, SpiceJet will offer eight, 12 and 28 business-class seats on its B737-700/800/900 aircraft respectively.
The front row and the over-wing exit rows of the economy cabin will be offered as the premium economy seats – SpiceMax.
Air India is the other Indian carrier that has Boeing 737 800 NG aircraft in its fleet.
The announcement comes a little over week after Emirates signed a codeshare agreement with Spicejet, meaning passengers coming from Dubai will be able to avail of the new offerings on their onward flights in India.
In addition to taking deregistered Jet Boeing 737s on lease, SpiceJet has also hired about 1,000 employees from Jet Airways, several of them being pilots, engineers and cabin crew, which has helped the carrier to quickly upscale its operations.
“It appears SpiceJet got Jet Airways without investing a penny,” aviation industry expert and former Executive Director of PwC India, said.
Sources said of SpiceJet has already inducted 9 the 22 aircraft it has requested for to take on lease and is in the process of getting delivery of the remaining aircraft soon.
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