SpiceJet has finalized agreements to lease 20 aircraft as the financially distressed Indian carrier attempts to nearly triple its active fleet ahead of the winter travel season.
The airline plans to add 15 Boeing and five Airbus aircraft through a combination of wet and damp leases. Deliveries are scheduled to take place in phases between mid-October and mid-November 2026.
SpiceJet currently operates 11 aircraft. Adding 20 leased jets would increase its operational fleet to about 31 aircraft and allow it to operate approximately 200 flights per day.
The additional capacity will support domestic and international services during India’s winter schedule, beginning with increased demand surrounding the Durga Puja festival. SpiceJet expects to retain the aircraft through the following summer travel season.
The airline has not disclosed the identities of the operators providing the aircraft or the precise models covered by the agreements. However, the incoming fleet will reportedly include higher-capacity Airbus A321s.
Under a wet lease, the aircraft owner typically supplies the airplane, crew, maintenance and insurance. A damp lease follows a similar structure, but the airline leasing the aircraft provides some of the crew, generally the cabin attendants.
Both arrangements allow an airline to add capacity more quickly than purchasing aircraft or obtaining conventional dry leases. They also reduce the immediate need to recruit and train additional pilots and maintenance personnel.
The strategy can carry higher operating costs, however, and is commonly used to meet seasonal demand or replace aircraft temporarily unavailable because of maintenance or supply-chain problems.
SpiceJet previously used short-term leases to expand its fleet for the 2025 winter season, adding Boeing 737s as it worked to restore grounded aircraft. The airline has continued to struggle with aircraft availability, lessor disputes and financial pressure.
Expansion follows departure of 737 MAX jets
The latest expansion follows SpiceJet’s removal of its final three operational Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Lessors sought to deregister and recover several of the airline’s MAX jets after they had spent extended periods out of service because of engine and maintenance issues.
SpiceJet had announced plans in January 2025 to return 10 grounded aircraft to service, including three 737 MAX jets, following agreements with engine manufacturer CFM International and maintenance provider StandardAero.
Although several aircraft returned to operation, SpiceJet’s active fleet has remained far smaller than its registered fleet. The carrier has recently supplemented its operations with three Airbus A320s wet-leased from Cambodia’s Sky Angkor Airlines.
The decision to add aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing gives SpiceJet access to additional capacity but also increases the variety of aircraft and operating partners involved in its network.
SpiceJet said the 20-aircraft deal will strengthen its network, increase frequencies and provide greater operational stability during peak travel periods.