SpiceJet Ltd on Friday said it has already absorbed over 500 Jet Airways employees, including 100 pilots, and is open to induct more as it adds new planes and flights to fill the gap left by the grounded airline in India’s aviation space.
The Gurugram-based airline has already announced induction of 27 more planes—22 Boeing 737s and five turboprop Bombardier Q400s—in its fleet.
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SpiceJet is giving “first preference” to Jet Airways employees in recruitment, the airline’s chairman Ajay Singh said in a statement on Friday.
“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,” Singh said.
According to Singh, SpiceJet has already provided jobs to more than 100 pilots, over 200 cabin crew and 200-plus technical and airport staff. “We will do more. We will also induct a large number of planes in our fleet soon,” Singh said.
On Thursday, SpiceJet announced 24 new flights that will start some time between 26 April and 2 May. SpiceJet has also announced plans to connect Mumbai to several international destinations, including non-stop flights to Hong Kong, Jeddah, Dubai, Colombo, Dhaka, Riyadh, Bangkok and Kathmandu.
These international flights are expected to start by end of May.
“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 said.