India's SpiceJet plans to set up an international hub in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, to expand its operations to Europe, Middle East and Africa, a report said.

 

The budget carrier has also announced plans to launch an airline based at RAK International Airport, said the Khaleej Times report.

 

The carrier signed a memorandum of understanding with the RAK International Airport to start direct flights between RAK and New Delhi from December 2019. 

 

Ajay Singh, chairman of SpiceJet, said they are applying for a licence for the new airline, which will operate from Ras Al Khaimah and likely to take off next year.

 

The proposed carrier will be sixth airline to operate from the UAE after Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, flydubai and the recently-announced Air Arabia Abu Dhabi. 

 

“The new airline will help connect India with Eastern and Western European destination using RAK as hub,” Singh was quoted as saying in the report.

 

He said four to five jets will be based in Ras Al Khaimah and those will be 737 MAX series after they have been certified by the US regulator.

 

SpiceJet has been massive plan to expand its operations across the globe. Last month, Singh said airline will be discussing an order for at least 100 Airbus planes worth $13 billion. In 2016-17, it placed an order for up to 205 MAX aircraft, including firm order for 155 such planes. But, it had grounded 13 Boeing 737 MAX after the crash of two aircraft operated by other airlines.