SpiceJet has indicated that its promoters are backing the airline that is apparently facing financial problems. On Friday, the airline’s officials met the Secretary, Civil Aviation, and the Director-General of Civil Aviation to pass this message. This is the second time this week that SpiceJet officials are meeting the DGCA.
The low-cost carrier’s chief operating officer, Sanjiv Kapoor, refused to comment on the meeting. On his Twitter page, he posted the message: “@SKapoorSpiceJet: Apologies again to all our customers affected by our temporary ongoing challenges. We will do our best to win back your loyalty and support.”
“The falling global crude prices will work to our benefit if we set things right soon,” said a source at SpiceJet, who wished anonymity. “We will come back soon. We will come out with an update in a day or two.”
On the other side, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) sent out an e-mail to its members saying its airline council was in touch with the SpiceJet management.
“This morning, we had a conference call with Shilpa Bhatia, senior vice-president and head of sales,” TAAI said in an e-mail. “The airline management is meeting DGCA officials this afternoon along with a plan and insight of the airline’s financial status. They have stated that there is a financial crunch, but not something that will shut down the airline.”
When TAAI voiced its concerns, SpiceJet assured it that all refunds due to cancellations and waivers would be granted, looking at the situation.
“Till date all monthly incentives, refunds and credits have been given to the members. They have also stated that they are crediting monies back into the bank accounts of agents who are not desirous of selling tickets on SpiceJet. This, however, will happen only in a phased manner and not instantly. They have requested members to be patient,” TAAI told its members.
