SpiceJet on Tuesday announced the appointment of former IndiGo executive Sanjay Kumar as Executive Director, effective November 3, 2025 to lead the airline’s strategic initiatives focused on expansion, operational excellence, and business transformation.
The airline also said that Kumar will report directly to the Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh.
SpiceJet shares were trading at Rs 36.66 apice on the BSE, down 0.52% as on Tuesday 11 AM.
“We are delighted to welcome Sanjay back to the SpiceJet family. His deep understanding of the aviation business and proven leadership will be invaluable as we chart a new course for SpiceJet,” Singh said. “With his strategic insights and executional strength, we are confident of accelerating our growth journey and strengthening our position as a leading and customer-centric airline.”
Kumar, who brings over three decades of aviation experience, said, “I am excited to re-join SpiceJet at a pivotal time in its journey. The Indian aviation market offers tremendous opportunities, and I look forward to working with the team to drive SpiceJet’s expansion, enhance operational efficiencies, and deliver even greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”
He has earlier served in key positions including Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer at IndiGo, and held leadership roles as President & CEO at InterGlobe Technology Quotient and Chief Operating Officer at AirAsia India.
SpiceJet’s troubled past and turnaround plans
Kumar’s appointment comes at a crucial time for SpiceJet, which has been struggling to recover from years of financial stress and operational disruptions. The airline has faced steep losses, regulatory scrutiny, and disputes with lessors and vendors, leading to several of its aircraft being grounded.
At one point, SpiceJet’s operational fleet reportedly dropped from 74 aircraft in 2019 to fewer than 30 by 2024, with around 36 planes grounded due to non-payment issues and supply constraints. Outstanding dues to lessors and suppliers mounted to nearly ₹3,700 crore, prompting multiple legal and arbitration cases.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) placed SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance in September 2024, citing concerns over its financial capacity to maintain aircraft and ensure safety compliance. In June 2025, the airline reported a ₹235 crore loss for the quarter as revenues fell nearly 35 percent year-on-year to ₹1,106 crore, with only 25 aircraft operational from a total fleet of 61.
Despite its challenges, SpiceJet has now been attempting a turnaround through fleet additions, debt restructuring, and leadership changes. The airline has recently announced plans to lease eight additional Boeing 737 aircraft to strengthen its network during the festive season and expand domestic connectivity.
The airline also said that Kumar will report directly to the Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh.
SpiceJet shares were trading at Rs 36.66 apice on the BSE, down 0.52% as on Tuesday 11 AM.
“We are delighted to welcome Sanjay back to the SpiceJet family. His deep understanding of the aviation business and proven leadership will be invaluable as we chart a new course for SpiceJet,” Singh said. “With his strategic insights and executional strength, we are confident of accelerating our growth journey and strengthening our position as a leading and customer-centric airline.”
Kumar, who brings over three decades of aviation experience, said, “I am excited to re-join SpiceJet at a pivotal time in its journey. The Indian aviation market offers tremendous opportunities, and I look forward to working with the team to drive SpiceJet’s expansion, enhance operational efficiencies, and deliver even greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”
He has earlier served in key positions including Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer at IndiGo, and held leadership roles as President & CEO at InterGlobe Technology Quotient and Chief Operating Officer at AirAsia India.
SpiceJet’s troubled past and turnaround plans
Kumar’s appointment comes at a crucial time for SpiceJet, which has been struggling to recover from years of financial stress and operational disruptions. The airline has faced steep losses, regulatory scrutiny, and disputes with lessors and vendors, leading to several of its aircraft being grounded.
At one point, SpiceJet’s operational fleet reportedly dropped from 74 aircraft in 2019 to fewer than 30 by 2024, with around 36 planes grounded due to non-payment issues and supply constraints. Outstanding dues to lessors and suppliers mounted to nearly ₹3,700 crore, prompting multiple legal and arbitration cases.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) placed SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance in September 2024, citing concerns over its financial capacity to maintain aircraft and ensure safety compliance. In June 2025, the airline reported a ₹235 crore loss for the quarter as revenues fell nearly 35 percent year-on-year to ₹1,106 crore, with only 25 aircraft operational from a total fleet of 61.
Despite its challenges, SpiceJet has now been attempting a turnaround through fleet additions, debt restructuring, and leadership changes. The airline has recently announced plans to lease eight additional Boeing 737 aircraft to strengthen its network during the festive season and expand domestic connectivity.
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