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GURUGRAM, October 12, 2018: SpiceJet, the country’s favourite carrier,
today unveiled its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft at a grand ceremony at Delhi’s
Indira Gandhi International airport. SpiceJet had signed a $22 billion deal with Boeing
for up to 205 aircraft in 2017 and this is the first aircraft delivery from that mega
order.
“We are excited to take delivery of our very first 737 MAX 8," said SpiceJet
Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh. "The induction of our first MAX
is a huge milestone in SpiceJet’s journey. These new airplanes will enable us to open
new routes, while reducing fuel and engineering costs, as well as emissions. The 737
MAX will dramatically reduce noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Passengers
will benefit from a large number of premium seats and, for the first time in India,
broadband internet on board.”
In line with SpiceJet's tradition of naming its airplanes after spices, the new 737 MAX
has been christened 'King Chilli'.
SpiceJet’s state-of-the-art MAX are equipped with Satcom that will enable SpiceJet to
offer internet on board services at the earliest once regulatory and government
approvals are in place. The MAX 8 can fly up to 3500 nautical miles which is
approximately 19% more than 737-800 enabling the airline to fly to newer destinations.
The 737 MAX is the most environmental friendly aircraft. It uses up to 14% less fuel
than older 737s. The new CFM Leap engine, made from ultra-light and ultra-strong carbon
blades, increases fuel efficiency of the MAX by 12%, the all-new advanced technology
winglet increases fuel efficiency by 1.8% and the new tailcone by another 1%. The new
jet has 40% lesser noise footprint translating into a quieter and silent cabin. The
nitrogen emissions of 737 MAX has been reduced by 50%.
For SpiceJet’s full fleet of up to 205 airplanes, the MAX will emit up to 750,000 fewer
metric tons of CO2 and save up to 240,000 metric tons of fuel per year, which
translates to more than $317 million in cost savings annually*. Lower cost and lesser
days out of service results in up to $4 million savings.
SpiceJet plans to use the 737 MAX to expand and standardize its fleet while focusing on
increasing their international and regional presence. Delhi-Hong Kong, which would
SpiceJet’s eighth international destination, will be exclusively serviced by the 737
MAX.
The Boeing 737 MAX can fly non-stop to Singapore, Doha, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Kuala
Lumpur, Tehran, Salalah, Kunming (China), Krabi among other international destinations
from various international airports in India. With a one-stop, the aircraft can easily
fly up to Finland, Norway, Morocco, London and Amsterdam.
SpiceJet’s first MAX, having the unique registration VT-MAX, was unveiled in the august
presence of Shri R. N. Choubey, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Dinesh Keskar,
Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Asia Pacific and India, Boeing Commercial
Airplanes; Ajay Singh - Chairman & Managing Director, SpiceJet and senior government
and aviation officials.
"India is a fast growing market for commercial airplanes and services,” said Ihssane
Mounir, Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing
Company. "The 737 MAX for SpiceJet is the perfect airplane for this market
and it will become a key ingredient for long-term success, especially as oil prices
continue to put pressure on airlines. The market-leading efficiency and reliability of
the MAX will pay immediate dividends for SpiceJet’s commercial operations.”
SpiceJet’s 737 MAX 8 comes with all-new interiors. Inspired by the 787 Dreamliner’s
advanced aesthetics, the cabin design promises to redefine travelers’ experience.
Instead of shelf-type stow compartments bordering the aisle, the 737 Boeing Sky
Interior features stow bins that tuck up and are out of the way when closed. This
results in a roomier, more open in-flight environment with unobstructed views, whether
passengers are standing or seated.
An advanced light-emitting diode lighting scheme washes the ceiling with blue light,
which suggests an open sky overhead and makes the airplane feel more spacious, besides
enjoying elegantly accented view from larger windows. The new ergonomically designed
seats are light weight optimizing cost by saving fuel besides offering a better legroom
and exceptional comfort.
The flight controls’ fly-by-wire spoilers replace the mechanical system to achieve
weight reductions. The aircraft is also equipped with anti-icing and electronic bleed
air features that ensure the most efficient air conditioning.
The aircraft comes with the largest forward display screens in the cockpit, measuring up
to 15 inches. The bigger displays, being the best in current and future technologies,
are designed to offer aeronauts more information with less effort thus improving
efficiency and making tasks easier at critical times, ultimately increasing safety in
the air.
SpiceJet’s MAX comes equipped with bigger but a lighter engines and loads of new
features which is all set to revolutionize the single-aisle market. This extremely
durable and impact resistant engine sits higher up and further forward on the wing
thereby streamlining the airflow around the wing. This reduces the drag and enhances
fuel efficiency. The engine’s advanced materials make it more than 500 pounds lighter
and more powerful thus helping the jet produce gains in range, fuel efficiency and
environmental friendliness.
One of the most striking and distinct feature of SpiceJet’s new 737 MAX aircraft is its
aerodynamically advanced winglets. The AT (Advanced Technology) winglets have no metal
visible on the leading edge. The blended winglets are designed with a special material
and coating that enables the natural laminar airflow to reduce drag and create
additional lift that raises fuel efficiency by up to 2%.
Bookings are now open on www.spicejet.com,
SpiceJet’s mobile app and through online travel portals and travel agents.
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