A SpiceJet plane.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Mumbai: SpiceJet on Thursday said it has secured an additional Rs 316 crore, taking its total funds raised to Rs 1,060 crore through a preferential share issue.
The fresh capital infusion in the struggling airline comes amid its recent announcement of slashing its workforce by 10-15 per cent.
In January SpiceJet had received Rs 744 crore as the first tranche of funds through the allotment of securities on a preferential basis.
On December 12, the airline had said it would raise fresh capital of Rs 2,250 crore through issuance of securities. "SpiceJet has raised an additional Rs 316 crore, bringing the total investments raised to Rs 1,060 crore under its preferential issue," the airline said in a statement.
It added, "The Preferential Allotment Committee of SpiceJet's Board Directors convened on February 21, 2024, approved the allotment of 4.01 crore equity shares on a preferential basis to two investors, including Aries Opportunities Fund Limited."
The committee also sanctioned the allotment of 2.31 crore warrants, offering the option to apply for an equivalent number of equity shares, to four investors, including Elara India Opportunities Fund Limited, according to the statement.
"The company has raised a total investment of Rs 1,060 crore. This significant capital infusion reaffirms investor confidence in SpiceJet's growth prospects and strengthens our financial position for the future," said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director at SpiceJet.
The additional funding will help SpiceJet to pursue its expansion plans and enhance its operational capabilities, he added.
SpiceJet has been facing headwinds for the last couple of quarters for want of funds, leading to the grounding of a number of aircraft and returning some of the leased planes to the lessors.
Some of its lessors have dragged the airline even to court for non-payment of lease rentals.
As on February 21, the airline had nearly half of its 65 aircraft fleet on the ground with 35 planes in service and remaining parked, as per the aircraft fleet tracking website Planespotter.