SpiceJet, a leading low-cost airline headquartered at Delhi International Airport, has declared its plan to bolster its 2024 Hajj charter services by wet-leasing two A340 aircraft. Scheduled to commence operations on May 9, these flights will originate from Srinagar and Guwahati, offering pilgrims an enhanced travel experience to the sacred Hajj pilgrimage.
The airline has configured each quadjet to accommodate up to 324 passengers, optimizing comfort and efficiency for the long-haul journey. However, the details regarding the leasing operator remain undisclosed, and SpiceJet has yet to comment on inquiries about the source of these aircraft. The current market inventory, as indicated by the ch-aviation fleets module, does not list any A340s matching the exact passenger configuration mentioned by SpiceJet, adding an element of curiosity about the aircraft’s origin.
SpiceJet’s Hajj charter service expansion will not be limited to Srinagar and Guwahati. The airline has ambitious plans to extend its reach, including flights from Gaya, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad, and Vijayawada. This strategic move aims to accommodate the significant demand for travel to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season from various parts of India, ensuring accessibility and convenience for pilgrims.
Reflecting on the previous year’s success, SpiceJet operated over 200 Hajj flights with two A340-300 aircraft wet-leased from Legend Airlines (Romania), transporting more than 21,000 pilgrims. These operations generated substantial revenue, highlighting the financial and operational benefits of catering to the Hajj pilgrimage market.
Despite not operating scheduled services to Saudi Arabia or managing any widebody aircraft within its in-house fleet, SpiceJet’s decision to wet-lease A340s specifically for the Hajj season demonstrates the airline’s commitment to serving the needs of its customers. This initiative underscores SpiceJet’s flexibility and adaptability in enhancing its service offerings to meet specific travel demands, further establishing its reputation as a customer-centric airline.
