Indian carrier SpiceJet is looking to add commuter routes to the more remote parts of the country. The ability to provide these essential air services are hampered by the lack of infrastructure and existing airfields available. The airline has been working with Setouchi Holdings of Japan on test runs of seaplane operations at Mumbai’s Girgaum Chowpatty beach, as well as land operations to Nagpur and Guwahati.
SpiceJet is India’s third largest airline by passengers carried. Operating a fleet of newer Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q-400 aircraft has helped the airline to maintain its low-cost structure. The company currently operates 306 daily flights to 35 local and 6 international destinations, and operates hubs in Delhi and Hyderabad. In March of 2014, the airline signed a firm order for 42 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This has been followed by orders for an additional 113 of the 737 Max 8’s. SpiceJet also signed a letter of intent at the 2017 Paris Air Show with Bombardier to purchase up to 50 Q400 aircraft to support growth in its feeder connectivity.
The feeder route network is where the partnership with Setouchi Holdings comes into focus. Setouchi Holdings owns Quest Aircraft, which manufacturers the Kodiak small commuter aircraft that can operate both on unimproved airfields, and as an amphibious aircraft fixed with pontoons. Quest Aircraft Company is located in Sandpoint, Idaho, and was purchased by the Japanese Holding Company in February of 2015.
