The trend of budget airlines in India started after 1991. The economic liberalization allowed many private players to enter in the aviation sector. The Director General of Civil Aviation approved many domestic airlines in late 1990s. Many new low cost carriers were founded and they took totally different approach to operate than traditional Air India in the country. Jet Airways was founded in Mumbai to offer business and premium class experience through private airlines. GoAir, Indigo and many others also started expanding its operations. The country’s airports were expanded too to meet the growing number of fliers.

Low cost business model

The budget airlines allowed country’s growing middle class to fly. Air travel was exclusive to richer people till then due to the high prices. Spicejet was one of the first budget airlines of India. Two decades ago it was known as ModiLuft. It was joint venture between Modi group and Lufthansa based in Germany. At that time, it provided economy, business and premium class seating to the passengers. The operations stopped in 1996 due to problems in the joint venture. It relaunched itself as Spicejet in 2004. The company decided to follow a low cost business model. It became very popular with people due to cheap tickets.
 

Spicejet | Image Resource : india.com

Comparatively lower ticket rates
 
The airline mostly focuses on domestic markets and serves some international nearby India. As a low cost carrier only use one type of plane to reduce the cost of operation, the Spicejet chose Boeing 737-800. Due to the low costs, 37000 tickets were sold on first day itself.  Spicejet flight booking can be done through several online travel portals now.
 

Spicejet Boeing 737-800 | Image Resource : commons.wikimedia.org

The airline started with Delhi Mumbai direct flight and then went on to serve other destinations. Currently it is third largest airline by market share. Delhi-Kathmandu was its first international route. Indians could now fly international at domestic prices. For short distance flights, Bombardiers q-400 aircraft was used. Hyderabad is its primary base now.

Cargo facilities and large number of destinations

The cargo booking facilities provided by the company are one of its kind. You can now ship your cargo to more than 17 Indian cities through this airline. It gives additional revenue to the company and keeps the aircraft loaded fully. Currently, the airline will take you at 31 Indian destinations and 2 international destinations with 243 daily flights across the Indian subcontinent. Company’s website and online booking portals constantly runs special offers, promo codes and discount coupons to reduce the cost of the ticket. Customers also manage to get cheaper ticket by booking flights months in advance.
 

Spicejet Meals | Image Resource : flickr.com

On time flights, cheap tickets and efficient service has resulted in millions of satisfied customers. Company’s loyalty scheme provides additional benefits to customers. You get free complimentary meals, spacious seats, priority boarding and additional discounts on the ticket if you sign up for their privilege program. Due to the stiff competition in the domestic aviation segment in India, the airline has been forced to innovate and be creative with the limited resources it has.