SpiceJet has applied to the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, for direct import of aviation turbine fuel.

“The recent Government announcement is an interesting proposal and we hope that direct import of aviation fuel will bring considerably bring down our operational cost,” SpiceJet Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neil Mills, said.

“After discussing the proposal in detail, we decided to go ahead with importing of aviation fuel from overseas markets. We have applied before the DGFT for permission to import aviation fuel in India. SpiceJet is not just talking about opportunities but actively pursuing them.” he added.

The airline industry in India is facing a financial crisis. The industry’s high operating costs are largely attributable to the cost of aviation turbine fuel (ATF).

>niveditag@thehindu.co.in