SpiceJet promoter Kalanidhi Maran may again raise stake in SpiceJet

SpiceJet promoter Kalanidhi Maran might take even more stake in the company, if flights between tier-2 cities for example Bhopal, Indore, Lucknow [ Images ] and Jaipur [ Images ] turn viable for that low-cost carrier.

The company's shareholders recently okayed a proceed to raise Maran's stake from 38 per cent to 43 percent.

"If our endeavours like Bhopal-Hyderabad remain successful, he may get more, " said Samyukt Shridharan, chief commercial officer.

"We are preparing to invest $150 million (Rs 740 crore) within a 12 months on our new short routes, " he told Company Standard in Bhopal on Tuesday.

He said so following launching the Bhopal-Hyderabad service, available at a fare associated with Rs 1, 499 (excluding meals).

The 2005-founded company, based in Gurgaon, has already received delivery of five Q4100 aircraft. Another 10 would be added soon on a rent basis, with a ownership right option with the provider company, Bombardier.

"Q4100 are nextgen turboprop aircraft that may accommodate 78 passengers. We will expand our services not just in tier-2 towns but tier-3 towns, too. We is going to be looking at connecting important destinations like Indore to Bhopal, Jaipur, Kanpur as well as Chennai, Aurangabad, Ahmedabad [ Images ] and Nagpur.

The Bhopal-Jabalpur and Bhopal-Gwalior services can come soon on our short-haul routes, " he said.

"Destinations like (Maharashtra's [ Images ]) Aurangabad possess a potential for us, as a lot of devotees go to Shirdi. "

Adding: "Our aircraft remain parked after 10 pm hours till morning. We want to use those for brand new international destinations. Also, by next month, we might possess our base at Ahmedabad. "

At present, the company has chosen Hyderabad as base for that Q4-100 aircraft operations.

The Bhopal-Inore-Hyderabad flight will take two hours and would play thrice per week.

It has also announced a Bhopal-Indore operation at Rs 999. It'll start a Bhopal-Indore-Delhi flight from next month.