Jet Airways Crisis: 'No More Jets Will be Grounded', Says Ministry of Civil Aviation
Ministry of Civil Aviation secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola said that no more jets would be grounded, a days after Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal stepped down.
New Delhi, March 26: A days after Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal stepped down, along with his wife Anita from the board of the beleaguered airline, Ministry of Civil Aviation secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola said that no more jets would be grounded and opined that 75 planes would fly by the end of next month.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, he said, "They (Jet Airways) have assured us that no more jets will be grounded, today 35 planes are flying, they will approach the DGCA for the next one month to get the schedule approved for the 35 planes." Jet Airways Crisis: Founder Naresh Goyal Steps Down, Investors Infuse Rs 1,500 crore.
Adding more he said, "As per plan the given by Jet Airways, they're hopeful that by the end of next month, they would be able to fly about 40 more planes. If this happens, it comes to about 80% capacity."
Though he said that this is an aggressive target, but added that DGCA had advised Jet Airways to sit with the lessors and plan the details and convince them to withdraw grounding notices.
Kharola said, "It is an aggressive target, we've told them to sit with the lessors & plan the details & convince them to withdraw grounding notices. Once withdrawn they need to approach DGCA, which will then authorise them to use the planes."
Earlier on Tuesday, after Goyal resigned, Kingfisher Airlines owner Vijay Mallya took to Twitter and urged Indian banks to 'take his money' and save cash-strapped Jet Airways. Vijay Mallya to Indian Banks: 'Take My Money, Save Jet Airways'.
He wrote, "I repeat once again that I have placed liquid assets before the Hon'ble Karnataka High Court to pay off the PSU Banks and all other creditors. Why do the Banks not take my money. It will help them to save Jet Airways if nothing else."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 26, 2019 07:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).