SpiceJet (SG, Delhi International) faces two fresh insolvency petitions in India's specialist bankruptcy court, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Irish lessor Sabarmati Aviation claims the low-cost carrier owes it USD5 million while JetAir 17, another Irish lessor, says SpiceJet owes it around USD27 million.

The two plaintiffs join a long line of lessors and other creditors who are, or have, attempted to extract monies SpiceJet owes them via NCLT proceedings.

During a November 18 hearing, SpiceJet's counsel, Krishnendu Datta, said the airline would respond to the Sabarmati matter shortly but claimed that JetAir 17 had no standing as an operational creditor because SpiceJet entered into the relevant lease contract with Wilmington Trust SP Services (Dublin), not JetAir. Dutta said JetAir 17 lacked sufficient evidence to show it inherited the interest from Wilmington, the original leaseholder. The NCLT directed JetAir 17 to submit documents proving the transfer.

The Sabarmati and JetAir 17 filings follow Falgu Aviation Leasing Limited filing an insolvency petition at the NCLT in October, seeking to recover USD8.1 million. In the same month, Aviator Capital SPV Aviator ML 29641 Limited submitted an insolvency petition over a USD7 million debt. Separately, Eusu Logistics India Pvt. Ltd says it is owed approximately USD230,800 for unpaid freight services and also filed an insolvency petition last month.

These companies join TechJockey InfoTech Private Limited, Alterna Aircraft V.B. Limited, and DAE Capital special purpose vehicles (SPVs) AWAS 36695 Ireland Limited, AWAS 36698 Ireland Limited, and AWAS 36694 Ireland Limited trying to have SpiceJet declared insolvent or forced to pay up.

However, in recent months the airline has managed to cull its complainant list at the NCLT, settling several matters, including three separate petitions filed by Aircastle, three BBAM SPVs, Wilmington Trust SP Services (Dublin), and Engine Lease Finance Corporation.

The NCLT has relisted the Sabarmati and JetAir 17 matters for December 3, 2024.