Jet Airways to fly 40 more planes by April end; to not ground anymore aircraft

Jet Airways’ management has informed the Ministry of Civil Aviation, that it would fly 40 more aircraft by April end, taking the total number to 75 and assured that it would not ground any more aircraft, informed Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation. “By Monday or Tuesday, Jet and the lessors should come into an agreement on getting back the grounded planes. By the end of April, Jet would be able to fly 40 more aircraft. As on today, Jet is flying 35 aircraft,” Kharola said after meeting with the Jet management including representatives of the State Bank of India (SBI).

The meeting took place post the management takeover by the SBI and its subsequent Rs 1,500 crore capital infusion for emergency funding on working capital needs.

A total of 75 aircraft is envisaged by April end which is around 80 per cent of the Jet’s total aircraft previously, he said.

Kharola also said the government is also keeping a close watch on the airfares and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has suggested to the airlines not to resort to predatory pricing.