SpiceJet to launch Bangalore-Mysore; Q400 order complete

From 14th January 2013, low cost carrier (LCC) SpiceJet will launch thrice weekly Bangalore – Mysore services using Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprops. The schedule of the flights will be as follows:

SG3305 BLR – MYQ ~ 1220 – 1310 ~ Q400 135
SG3306 MYQ- BLR ~ 1330  – 1420 ~ Q400 135

The new route marks the beginning of the next round of Q400 expansion for SpiceJet, as the carrier recently took delivery of the final three Q400s in its initial order of fifteen. The three most recent Q400s for SpiceJet were inducted as: VT-SUP, VT-SUJ, VT-SUK. While SpiceJet does have options for another fifteen Q400s, it is having trouble finding financing for those deliveries at the moment. However, the next year will give SpiceJet ample time to evaluate the Q400 operation as it reaches maturity, and since none of the other major Indian carriers has any turboprop fleet growth (Jet Airways’ order for ATR 72-600s is primarily for replacement purposes) in the next year, SpiceJet can afford to slow down its regional expansion.