Tag Archives: analysis

SpiceJet Q2FY21 results: financial health remains fragile

The Q2FY21 results of India’s second-largest low-cost carrier point to the continued fragility of the airline’s financial health driven by large accumulated losses, questionable revenue recognition policy and uncertainty surrounding the resumption of international airline operations currently suspended on account of the pandemic. SpiceJet Q2FY21 results snapshot (in INR) comparisons to Q2FY20 ● Revenues ₹1,305 crores (down by 54%) ● …

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SpiceJet Q4FY20 results analysis: A sharp deterioration in financial health

Spicejet Boeing 737-800 VT-SPL "Cardamom"

After a long delay, India’s second-largest low-cost carrier reported its Q4FY20 results yesterday. Despite strong revenue growth, the airline posted a loss of ₹807 on account of increases in fuel costs, decline of the rupee and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The accumulated losses and increase in liabilities have deteriorated the financial health of the airline. SpiceJet Q4FY20 results snapshot …

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Indigo’s Q1FY21 results analysis: Highlighting the depth of the challenges

India’s largest airline reported its first-quarter results yesterday. If Q4FY20 losses of 870 crores were of concern, Q1FY21 has only made this much worse. The loss at 2,844 crores was three times the loss of the previous quarter. This was in the most part not surprising given that much of the quarter had aircraft sitting on the ground due to …

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SpiceJet Q3FY20 results analysis: Has rapid expansion hurt the airline?

SpiceJet Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 VT-SUB lands at Kempegowda airport Bangalore. Photo by Vedant Agarwal. All rights reserved.

February 14th saw SpiceJet report its third-quarter results. The airline reported a profit of INR 78.2 crores but we believe the results warrant closer examination. This because of the Boeing 737MAX grounding and the fact that compensation that has been recorded but not yet received by SpiceJet significantly contributed to this result. Additionally, in looking at the operational numbers, it …

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Indigo Q3FY20 results analysis

IndiGo first A320neo VT-ITC touches down at New Delhi's IGI airport after a non-stop flight from Toulouse, France

Monday, January 27th was quite a newsday for Indian aviation. In what is becoming a tale of two airlines, while the national carrier came out with its Preliminary Information Memorandum looking for someone to take over 23,286 crores of debt and 8556 crores of losses (for FY19) the other airline Indigo reported profits of 496 crores with another 20,000 crores …

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Low Cost Long Haul: Can Indigo succeed where so many have failed?

IndiGo Airbus A320-232(SL) VT-IFK with Sharklets.

India largest and most profitable airline, IndiGo’s CEO Ronojoy Dutta has gone on record recently about the low-cost airline “actively studying” long haul flights to London on widebody aircraft. This statement coming from an airline which for the longest time stuck to a single fleet strategy, until it added ATR aircraft for regional flights, has left some perplexed. Dutta also …

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Analysis: Are the SpiceJet Q2FY20 results being underplayed?

SpiceJet, now India’s second-largest domestic airline, reported its second-quarter results of the fiscal year 2019-2020 (Q2FY20) this Wednesday. It was a result that was met with mixed expectations and also one that seems to be underplayed. We attempt to present an analysis that may help deconstruct the figures. The focus has been on a net loss of INR 462 crores …

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Indigo Q2FY20 results: clear air turbulence or something more?

Indigo Airbus A320neo VT-ITK. Image copyright Vedant Agarwal.

Indigo reported its Q2FY20 results on Friday. With a loss of 1,062 crores, the results caught many by surprise. It is too early to tell whether the results reflect challenges with the strategic direction the airline is taking (compare this to the profit of INR 1203 crore in Q1FY20) or if this was a one-off driven largely driven by operational …

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Demystifying the Air India Asset Holdings bond offering

The Air India ramp at Mumbai CSMI Airport. Photo by and copyright Devesh Agarwal.

As the government preps Air India for divestment, a key element of the plan is the reduction of the debt burden. The goal is to make the airline a better proposition for buyers. The debt reduction has been carried out by creating a special purpose vehicle (SPV) named Air India Asset Holdings Ltd (AIAHL) and moving half of the debt …

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The great Indian aviation paradox – low fares fueled by unsustainable capacity

Domestic ramp at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji airport. Photo copyright Devesh Agarwal.

A robust aviation industry is essential for any nation to grow and prosper. Airlines connect businesses and people both nationwide and globally. Air transport is essential for global trade, helps bring in much needed forex from tourism, provides global access to local produce and creates jobs. The economic impact and benefits of this one industry overshadow many others. Historically, air …

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Spicejet Q1 FY20 results – The 114.1 crore conundrum

SpiceJet Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 VT-SUB lands at Kempegowda airport Bangalore. Photo by Vedant Agarwal. All rights reserved.

SpiceJet reported their Q1FY20 earnings this Friday. A profit was expected but the quantum of the profit surprised several analysts. The airline reported a net profit of INR 261.7 crore and total income of INR 3,145.3 crore for the quarter ending June 2019 as against a loss of INR 38.1 crore and INR 2,253.3 crore for the corresponding quarter last …

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What if Air India does not attract any buyers? What then?

Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner line number 35 test registered N1015 (later became VT-ANH) at the India Aviation show, Hyderabad March 2012. Photo copyright Devesh Agarwal.

Military aviator and strategist John Boyd famously said, “If you want to understand something, take it to the extremes or examine its opposites.” Applied in the context of Air India, this becomes particularly interesting. That is, at a point of time where everyone seems to be convinced that the airline will be sold off, to understand the situation fully one …

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Analysis: Indian Aviation Budget 2019

For the aviation stakeholders, the budget was heavy on prose and lacking in numbers. A government that came in with a decisive mandate was expected to deliver on bold reforms. Yet, given that the tax revenues are declining and ambitious social sector schemes continuing, aviation once again saw token allocations and scant consideration. 5 key areas were highlighted: 1. Air …

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Indigo fourth quarter FY2018-19 results analysis: Massive increase in Q4 profits, but a sharp annual decline

Indigo Airbus A320neo VT-ITK. Image copyright Vedant Agarwal.

Indigo Airlines reported its fourth-quarter results this Monday. As their CEO expounded – this year consisted of two halves. The 4th quarter was critical for Indigo as it pushed the airline to an overall profit. That said, the results continue to highlight the core challenges in the Indian market. Key numbers for Indigo’s fourth-quarter results: Revenue from Operations: 7883 crores …

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Emirates and the impacts of the A380 phase-out

With the production of the Airbus A380 ending 2021, airline enthusiasts the world over are wondering if there will be a replacement aircraft that is as awe-inspiring. The end of the program is also interesting as it contradicts the fact that airports are increasingly constrained and indeed airlines will have to devise strategies to overcome this. Yet, the impacts are …

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Etihad Airways 2018 results analysis

Etihad Airways Airbus A320 A6-EIC at Kempegowda Airport, Bangalore

Etihad Airways recently reported its annual results for 2018. The results highlight the continuing challenges for the airline as it addresses elements of its fleet, network and profitability. These are important for its transformation program.  While there was a 4% increase in passenger yields, the impact on overall revenue was not significant. On the cost side, the airline was able …

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SpiceJet Q3FY19 results analysis: challenges remain

Spicejet Boeing 737-800 VT-SPL "Cardamom"

SpiceJet, reported its third quarter results of the fiscal year 2018-19 (FY19) this Monday. There were mixed views on the performance. While a profit of 55.1 crores is definitely good news, when compared to the same period last year the profit declined by 77%. Performance also cannot be cited as definitive as this came during the strongest quarter of the …

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An overview of India’s commercial aviation fleet and orders – 2019

View of part of the ramp at Bangalore Airport at night.

Indian aviation is on a growth track with the commercial aviation fleet set to double in the next five to eight years. This is reflected in the statistic that for each aircraft flying there are approximately 1.7 aircraft on order. India is poised to become the 3rd largest aviation market by 2030. Highlights of the fleet are presented below. 638 …

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The Airbus 380: operations and outlook

Singapore Airlines A380-800 9V-SKD. Image copyright Devesh Agarwal

The Airbus 380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, entered commercial service in 2007 with launch customer Singapore Airlines. With a maximum takeoff weight of 575 tonnes (almost eight times the weight of an Airbus A320) and average seating of 575 passengers (800+ in high density configurations) Airbus built the A380 on the premise of slot-constrained airports needing a ultra-high capacity …

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