Carlyle Aviation Partners has reportedly expressed its interest for SpiceJet Ltd. (BSE:500285), Reuters reported on January 9 citing a source-based article by CNBC TV 18. Earlier, in mid 2023, the airline had sought shareholder approval to issue 5.91% stake in the low-cost airline to Carlyle Aviation Partners--the aircraft financing unit of global private equity giant Carlyle Group. In December, the cash-strapped airline had got a lifeline in the form of investment from a clutch of funds and high net worth individuals.

The INR 225.4 billon investment was done through the issue of up to 130 million convertible warrants and 320.8 million fresh equity shares. The fundraising counts 64 investors amongst which there are funds like Elara India Opportunities Fund, Aries Opportunities Fund, and Prabhudas Lilladher, Nexus Global and Mumbai based businessman Harihara Mahapatra and Arjun Juneja of Mankind Pharma. SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh holds 56.5 % stake in the company, and, out of this, 37.9 % is pledged with various banks.

After the transaction Singh will still be the largest stakeholder in the company with 45% stake. There will be no change. As per reports, SpiceJet will soon start discussion with Boeing for resuming induction of new 737 Max aircraft of which it has more than 200 on order.