Budget carrier SpiceJet has signed an agreement with US-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services provider StandardAero to operationalise its grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the airline said on Friday.

Three of the airline’s seven grounded Boeing 737 MAX planes are expected to return to service by April 2025 under the agreement.

StandardAero, which also provides MRO services for CFM LEAP-1B engines that power the Boeing 737 MAX fleet, will assist SpiceJet in restoring its grounded 737-8 MAX aircraft, the company said in a statement.

The partnership with StandardAero follows earlier agreements with CFM International, the LEAP-1B engine manufacturer, and aircraft lessors, paving the way for the phased return of the grounded planes.

“These developments pave the way for the un-grounding and return to service of three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft by April 2025,” SpiceJet said.

The airline's chairman and managing director Ajay Singh described the return of the fuel-efficient MAX aircraft as a significant step towards strengthening the airline’s financial position.

SpiceJet is focusing on fleet expansion and dispute resolution after securing ₹3,000 crore in funding. It currently operates about 28 aircraft.

Over the past two months, the airline said it has resolved disputes with multiple lessors.