Taking under the wings, Spice Jet absorbs 500 Jet Airway employees at first preference

New Delhi, April 20: Stabilizing the temporarily sick airlines and the employees aligned, budget carrier SpiceJet on Friday has moved up absorbing over 500 individuals, including 100 pilots of the grounded carrier Jet Airways. Giving first preference to the Jet Airways staff, it is open to induct more as it adds more aircraft and routes in the times ahead.

 

The Gurugram based no frills airline has already announced induction of 27 more planes, 22 Boeing 737s and five turboprop Bombardier Q400s. This is to help overcome the capacity deficit due to Jet Airways who temporarily withdrew its domestic and international services.

 

"As we expand and grow, we are giving first preference to those who have recently lost their jobs due to the unfortunate closure of Jet Airways," Ajay Singh, SpiceJet chairman and managing director cleared.

 

He said that SpiceJet has already provided jobs to more than 100 pilots, over 200 cabin crew and 200 plus technical and airport staff recently. "We will do more. We will also induct a large number of planes in our fleet soon," Singh added.

 

The carrier on Thursday announced the launch of 24 new flights connecting Mumbai and Delhi with 16 services connecting Mumbai and four Delhi while the remaining four connecting the two metros. These flights are set to be rolled out between April 26 and May 2.

 

"SpiceJet is making all possible efforts to minimise passenger inconvenience and serve Indian customers who are finding it difficult to get seats in this busy season," Singh added.

 

Jet Airways ceased its air operations on Wednesday after getting trapped in the financial crisis. The SBI on behalf of the consortium decided to stop backing the air concern for Rs 400 crores, leaving it in a major debt trap.