Indian budget carrier SpiceJet has launched a special flight service connecting Delhi and Ayodhya on January 21 to facilitate pilgrims attending the sacred Ram temple foundation-laying ritual.
This tailored offering coincides with SpiceJet actively exploring unserved domestic routes like Lakshadweep as it gears up for capital-raising to fund its expansion blueprint.
SpiceJet Introduces Exclusive Delhi-Ayodhya Return Flight for Temple Event
On 21st January 2024, SpiceJet will operate a special round-trip flight on the Delhi-Ayodhya route, scheduled around the prime timeline of the iconic ‘Pran Pratishtha’ event in Ayodhya.
The flight will take off from Delhi at 1:30 PM and land in Ayodhya at 3 PM. The return service has been timed at 5 PM on 22nd January, reaching Delhi by 6:30 PM.
Sources reveal that targeted scheduling aims to optimally serve devotees partaking in the Ram Janmbhoomi temple’s foundation-stone laying ritual. Fares are also economical in line with SpiceJet’s budget carrier positioning.
This customized service for a landmark religious ceremony that carries deep spiritual significance for millions of Indians is a smart customer engagement move, sectoral experts opined.
Board Nod for $300 Mn Fundraise to Fuel Network Growth for SpiceJet
The special flight launch coincides with SpiceJet confirming that its board has recently greenlit a ~$300 million (INR 2,250 crore) capital infusion plan through issue of warrants and shares to qualified institutional buyers.
These proceeds will mainly finance expansion of routes under the government’s UDAN scheme and fleet addition via operating/finance leases to bolster SpiceJet’s domestic footprint.
Strong tailwinds like swelling regional demand make the timing ideal for network growth despite turbulent macro environment. Steady rise in passenger traffic and flight yields signal optimistic outlook.
Exploring New Routes Like Lakshadweep as Travel Demand Booms
Besides religious tourism catalysts like the Ayodhya flight, SpiceJet is actively exploring hitherto unserved domestic sectors witnessing surging travel appetite post-COVID.
During a media interaction on Wednesday, CEO Ajay Singh revealed plans are firming up to connect Agatti Island in Lakshadweep which has emerged as a bustling tropical holiday spot.
Industry data reveals air traffic to Lakshadweep has exploded by over 125% annually. Hence, launching direct flights from metro hubs before rivals presents a lucrative opportunity for SpiceJet.
Optimism also stems from early success of its seaplane service in Gujarat through SpiceShuttle subsidiary. Similar offerings for Lakshadweep could be gamechanging.
With India poised become 3rd largest aviation market by 2030, the horizon remains filled with enormous possibilities for nimble players like SpiceJet cementing strong brand equity around reliability and affordability.