In another blow to the soon-to-be-launched Jet Airways, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked its aviation security training institute (ASTI) status for non-compliance. Continued delay by the airline’s promoters, Jalan-Kalrock Consortium (JKC) to take ownership of the airline and the standoff with the company’s lenders regarding the clearance of dues has led to this action by the authorities.
The BCAS sent a letter to the Jet Authorities that read: “The competent authority has revoked the accreditation granted to both the ASTIs of Jet Airways at Gurugram and Mumbai. The airline may apply afresh for approval of its ASTI as and when it is ready for inspection in accordance with Annexure ’A’ of NCASTP.”
In India, the airlines impart security training to its staff, cockpit and cabin crew, and other personnel at the BCAS-approved facility. Most of the airlines in India have these facilities at different airports, as it is a mandatory requirement for all Indian airlines to give security training. Jet Airways have two such facilities, in Mumbai and Gurugram in Delhi.
A spokesperson for JKC said: “Having received the revalidated Air Operator Certificate of Jet Airways in May 2022, we had sought the cooperation and approval of the BCAS to move the Jet Airways Aviation Security Training Institute (ASTI) to a new location in Gurugram, once the appropriate real estate for it has been identified in due course of time.”
The JKC spokesperson said upon the transfer of ownership of Jet Airways, the company will seek fresh approvals for a new ASTI infrastructural set-up.
“We had voluntarily surrendered the ASTIs of Jet 1.0. We confirm that the strategic decision to surrender the ASTI has no relation to the revival or re-launch of Jet Airways. Upon the transfer of ownership of Jet Airways to JKC, the security function will be reactivated and fresh approvals shall be sought for the new infrastructural set-up. It should be further noted that having an in-house ASTI is a choice made by airlines, and it is not a mandatory requirement,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, Jet Airways’ plans to return to the skies have been stalled indefinitely with the ongoing tussle between the Jalan Kalrock consortium (JKC) and lenders over the pending provident fund and other payments of Jet’s employees. The lenders are unwilling to hand over the ownership rights to Jalan Kalrock unless the dues are cleared forcing the JKC to approach the National Company Law Tribunal
Going ahead, a lot depends on the lot National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) hearing on November 29th, 2022 where the airline and the creditors will try to negotiate the deal.