As Jet Airways continues to maintain suspense on the type of aircraft selection for its planned launch, Airbus has listed an aircraft under the operator’s name, putting a full stop to speculations.
With Jet 2.0 kick-starting commercial operations in the next few months, the Indian aviation sector was abuzz with speculations about the type of aircraft selection. It is said that a larger deal (of about 50-60 aircraft) will be revealed later, the airline will start operations with leased aircraft. Recently eagle-eyed planespotters saw an A320neo colored in Jet livery indicating the possibility of an Airbus A320 joining its initial fleet. Post this, it was reported that the airline had entered into a lease agreement with Avolon to lease the A320 aircraft. However, reports emerged in which the airline denied signing any such deal.
Jet further added in an exchange filing that it is currently under market evaluation to decide on the fleet restructuring. “Neither the Company nor its authorized representatives have made any media public statements in relation to the future fleet of aircraft or lease thereof as referred to in the reports,” Jet said in a statement.
Then, earlier last month Jet invited pilot applications for A320 and 737, indicating they might go in for a mixed fleet.
Also, a further look at the Airbus monthly data sheet reveals that the plane was not ordered or delivered directly to Jet, thus indicating the involvement of a lessor.
In another important development, Jet has agreed to its lender’s demands to bring in more capital into the business. Initially, the Jalan-Kalrock consortium was not very keen on adding more capital. They wanted to use the cash balance in the bank account to repay certain dues. But in a meeting held recently, the consortium agreed to the lenders' demands.