Gurugram: The SpiceJet Natilus partnership marks Natilus’s official entry into the Indian aviation market, as the U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer collaborates with SpiceJet to advance certification and adoption of its blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft in India.
As part of the agreement, SpiceJet has committed to support Natilus in obtaining regulatory certification, following which the airline plans to acquire 100 aircraft for its future fleet.
Founded in 2016, Natilus is developing next-generation aircraft aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability in commercial aviation.
Its flagship passenger aircraft, HORIZON, is designed to reduce fuel consumption by 30%, carbon emissions by 50%, and overall operating costs by up to 50%, compared to conventional aircraft.
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SpiceJet Natilus Partnership: Expansion Plans
The HORIZON aircraft can seat 240 passengers in a high-density configuration and is engineered to operate seamlessly within existing airport infrastructure.
To support its expansion plans, Natilus has established a wholly owned subsidiary, Natilus India, headquartered in Mumbai.
The Indian operations will be led by Ravi Bhatia, Regional Director, and will focus on in-country support, certification efforts, and delivery requirements for the Indian market.
SpiceJet Natilus Partnership Focuses on Sustainable Aviation Growth
India represents one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, with domestic air travel growing 10.2% year-on-year. Industry projections indicate that Indian carriers will require more than 2,200 new aircraft by 2040 to meet rising passenger demand.
Through the SpiceJet Natilus partnership, Natilus aims to expand its family of blended-wing aircraft in India and explore opportunities to source manufactured components locally.
Natilus is currently pursuing Part 25 certification for the HORIZON aircraft with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is simultaneously working with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to secure certification for operations in India.
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Commenting on the collaboration, Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet, said that the airline’s association with Natilus aligns with its commitment to innovation and sustainability in aviation.
He noted that once certified, the HORIZON aircraft’s efficiency and compatibility with existing infrastructure could make it well-suited for SpiceJet’s long-term fleet requirements.
HORIZON’s blended-wing design offers approximately 40% more interior space, enabling airlines to improve passenger capacity while achieving significant cost and emission reductions.
Natilus stated that it is in discussions with major global airlines, lessors, and integrators, with a commercial order book exceeding 570 aircraft to date.
Natilus CEO Aleksey Matyushev said that SpiceJet’s focus on technological advancement makes it an ideal launch partner for the HORIZON aircraft in India. He added that the establishment of Natilus India would help the company explore partnerships with leading Indian OEMs and bring advanced aircraft solutions to the market.
