Mumbai, March 25: Delaying the exit for as much as he could, Jet Airways founder and main promoter Naresh Goyal finally stepped down on Monday from the board of the beleaguered airline, says sources. Also, along with him Goyal's wife - Anita - too stepped down, paving the way for investors to fuel the airline with the economy.

According to the sources, former SBI chairman Janki Ballabh may be asked to lead Jet Airways. However, the official announcement is yet to be made, it is learnt that investors have infused Rs 1,500 crore after the path-breaking decision. This economic push is most likely to help the airline's fleet getting a fresh start, as most of the flights were grounded over non-payment of dues. Jet Airways Suspend Services to 13 International Routes Till April-End Due to Non-Payment of Rentals. 

Sources say that lenders wanted Goyal to give up his controlling stake and exit the board for fresh funding. After Goyal put in his papers, the Jet Airways stock closed 13 per cent higher on Monday, which is still 0.9 per cent lower amid global growth concerns.

Since the economic crisis gripped the premium flying company, Jet Airways is not flying 24 of planes due to non-maintenance. Jet has 119 aircraft altogether, out of which 54 aircraft have been grounded due to non-payment of dues to lessors. According to DGCA (last week report), only 41 of the airline's aircraft were operational.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 25, 2019 04:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).