Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet said Boeing has agreed to settle the claims related to the grounding of 737 MAX aircraft.
“Boeing has agreed to provide certain accommodations and settle the outstanding claims related to the grounding of 737 MAX aircraft and its return to service,” SpiceJet said in a statement quoted by Reuters.
According to the airline, the settlement will allow Boeing to resume the deliveries of the aircraft.
Since 2013, SpiceJet has ordered 155 Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft, which makes it the biggest customer of this type in India. According to Planespotters.com data, 13 aircraft have been delivered before the onset of the pandemic.
The 737 MAX was grounded worldwide following two tragic crashes in 2019. The carrier has asked Boeing, as well as several lessors of the aircraft, for compensation following the grounding.
Claims with two major lessors – Avolon and CDB Aviation – were settled in August and September 2021 respectively.
India cleared the aircraft to resume operations in August 2021, but SpiceJet delayed the return of its fleet to operation several times.
On November 12 the carrier said it plans to resume 737 MAX operations before the end of the year, and is working on obtaining regulatory approval for that.