Crisil has upgraded SpiceJet’s short-term rating to ‘A4+’ citing its successful capital raising and restructuring efforts. The rating reflects improved liquidity, fleet expansion plans, and operational turnaround prospects, positioning SpiceJet on a recovery path despite past financial challenges.
In a significant vote of confidence, Crisil has assigned a ‘CRISIL A4+’ rating to SpiceJet Limited, India’s prominent low-cost carrier. This short-term rating upgrade underscores the airline’s strengthened financial profile after substantial capital infusion and strategic restructuring, marking a crucial milestone in its ongoing recovery journey.
Key Highlights:
Capital Raising Success: SpiceJet successfully raised sizeable equity and convertible securities in the past 18 months, infusing vital liquidity that stabilized its operations and improved balance sheet flexibility. This capital haul has enabled the airline to clear dues, operational costs, and invest in fleet augmentation.
Restructuring Efforts: Under the stewardship of its promoter Ajay Singh, SpiceJet has undertaken rigorous restructuring including rigorous cost optimization, renegotiation of lessor agreements, and operational streamlining. These moves have addressed past fleet grounding issues and improved asset utilization.
Fleet Expansion Plan: SpiceJet is gradually ungrounding and inducting new aircraft, with an order book of 147 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft still expected to be delivered. Revitalizing fleet capacity is pivotal to regaining market share and enhancing revenue streams.
Operational Turnaround: Improved liquidity and an enhanced fleet have translated into better flight operations and a phased recovery of passenger numbers. SpiceJet posted a profit of ₹340 crore in Q4 FY25, capitalizing on demand spikes during major events like the Kumbh Mela.
Credit Rating Implications: The ‘A4+’ rating signals adequate ability to meet short-term financial commitments, improving SpiceJet’s borrowing costs and investor confidence, critical for sustained refinancing and expansion.
Remaining Challenges: Despite progress, risks related to global fuel price volatility, currency fluctuations, and delay in aircraft deliveries remain. Continuous focus on liquidity management and operational efficiency will be key.
Market Position: Once India’s second-largest airline, SpiceJet seeks to reclaim lost ground through strategic initiatives while leveraging its brand recognition and low-cost carrier model.
Future Outlook: Analysts and rating agencies expect SpiceJet to maintain its gradual recovery trajectory, supported by steady capital flows and favorable market conditions.
SpiceJet’s credit upgrade by Crisil is a milestone that reflects robust management and renewed investor trust, signaling brighter skies ahead for the budget airline.
Sources: Crisil Ratings, Moneycontrol, Economic Times, CARE Ratings, Business Standard