New Delhi: Travelers have started abstaining SpiceJet Ltd., according to a survey, is a setback for the cash-strapped airline after a series of mid-air security failures that have been called in by authorities to explain the lapses.
A survey of over 21,000 fliers conducted by LocalCircles revealed that 44% are currently away from India’s third largest airline due to safety concerns, while 21% are avoiding it. Air India Ltd. and Indigo and for 18% go first, Some 37% of respondents said they do not avoid a particular airline.
Losing passengers to technical glitches would be a major setback for SpiceJet, which has given up its second-largest market share to GoFirst. Any drop could further worsen SpiceJet’s deteriorating financial health. The airline has suffered losses over the past three financial years and its shares have fallen 43% this year, making it the worst airline stock in Asia.
In a rare incident, the aviation regulator on Wednesday said SpiceJet failed to create “safe, efficient and reliable” services in view of the recent issues. The airline has been given three weeks to explain why action should not be taken against it.
SpiceJet, which operates Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, was on Tuesday diverted to Karachi due to a fault in the indicator lights. Later that day a Q400 jet was forced to make a priority landing in Mumbai after a crack in its windshield. On July 2, another SpiceJet aircraft from New Delhi returned to the capital due to smoke in the cabin.
The incidents, though non-fatal, drew strong criticism against SpiceJet, with some urging officials to investigate the airline’s safety practices. Others are blaming the 737 MAX plane and calling on airlines to stop operating the jet. Loss of confidence in the 737 MAX could be more bad news for SpiceJet as it plans to induct at least seven of them this year, people familiar with the matter said last month.
According to a LocalCircle survey, 46 per cent people believe that the deteriorating balance sheet of Indian airlines results in inadequate fleet maintenance, and is the biggest reason behind the drop in safety standards. Around 18% of commuters said that ineffective inspection by the regulator is also a reason.
A survey of over 21,000 fliers conducted by LocalCircles revealed that 44% are currently away from India’s third largest airline due to safety concerns, while 21% are avoiding it. Air India Ltd. and Indigo and for 18% go first, Some 37% of respondents said they do not avoid a particular airline.
Losing passengers to technical glitches would be a major setback for SpiceJet, which has given up its second-largest market share to GoFirst. Any drop could further worsen SpiceJet’s deteriorating financial health. The airline has suffered losses over the past three financial years and its shares have fallen 43% this year, making it the worst airline stock in Asia.
In a rare incident, the aviation regulator on Wednesday said SpiceJet failed to create “safe, efficient and reliable” services in view of the recent issues. The airline has been given three weeks to explain why action should not be taken against it.
SpiceJet, which operates Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, was on Tuesday diverted to Karachi due to a fault in the indicator lights. Later that day a Q400 jet was forced to make a priority landing in Mumbai after a crack in its windshield. On July 2, another SpiceJet aircraft from New Delhi returned to the capital due to smoke in the cabin.
The incidents, though non-fatal, drew strong criticism against SpiceJet, with some urging officials to investigate the airline’s safety practices. Others are blaming the 737 MAX plane and calling on airlines to stop operating the jet. Loss of confidence in the 737 MAX could be more bad news for SpiceJet as it plans to induct at least seven of them this year, people familiar with the matter said last month.
According to a LocalCircle survey, 46 per cent people believe that the deteriorating balance sheet of Indian airlines results in inadequate fleet maintenance, and is the biggest reason behind the drop in safety standards. Around 18% of commuters said that ineffective inspection by the regulator is also a reason.