Jet Airways’ plans to resume flying this year are in full swing, with the airline announcing a string of developments in the last few weeks. From announcing its CEO and explaining its business model to now preparing for proving flight to get its Air Operators Certificate (AOC), the carrier is going full steam ahead to launch operations soon.

Working on getting the AOC

Jet Airways is making sure to update everyone about its progress towards launching operations soon. Last month, it released an official statement that the restarting activities of the carrier are progressing well, with the team working closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the Government of India, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to get all the necessary approvals.

Now, we know a little more about its preparation to acquire an AOC. The airline posted a picture of the “first intake of cabin crew” as it prepared for the proving flight needed to get the AOC. The images, posted just a couple of days ago on Twitter, show the first group of cabin crew that will participate in the process of regaining the all-important AOC.

What is a proving flight?

In order to get a flying permit, an airline has to convince the authorities and the government that it understands all the protocols and processes of conducting a commercial flight.

On the day of the proving flight, the airline staff is expected to behave the same way as on an actual commercial flight. This includes having everyone from various departments, including pilots, cabin crew, check-in counter staff, and engineers, ready to display their preparedness.

Needless to say, an aircraft is required for the process to take place, an important factor that delayed the proving flight of another soon-to-be-launched Indian carrier, Akasa Air.

Hiring spree

We reported in February that Jet Airways was looking to onboard experienced trainers, captains, and co-pilots with a 737NG type rating to join immediately, hinting that the airline's relaunch plans are on track.

Over the last few months, the airline has also invited candidates for the positions of operation staff (crew, airport staff, engineers, and technicians) as well as product development. Now, it is stepping up its game by announcing that it will start recruiting for more positions in the coming weeks.

In a series of tweets commenting on how it has been receiving inquiries and CVs for various roles, the carrier welcomed applications from all qualified candidates and suggested that previous Jet employees are particularly encouraged to apply.

Earlier this month, the airline’s CEO said that Jet is planning to operate a hybrid two-in-one model catering to both ends of the market at once. Time will tell how that strategy will play out, but for the time being, let’s hope that all goes well with the carrier’s planned proving flight.