Jet Airways has been preparing for its second stint for a while now. Over the last few months, the airline has been hiring employees, negotiating with aircraft manufacturers, and getting all the paperwork in order. And while there has been a delay in its launch, Jet's CEO has said that they are steadily working towards starting operations again.

Tracking close to target

One of the most anticipated aviation events in India is the relaunch of Jet Airways. The airline was one of India's leading carriers at its peak, with a network spanning across the country and some leading international destinations.

The carrier's relaunch has sparked people's interest for several reasons. While Jet loyalists can't wait to see the airline come back to life again, many are curious just how successfully its new owners will be able to resurrect the airline, given its history.

Initial estimates suggested that Jet would commence operations this month. But on September 13th, the airline's CEO Sanjiv Kapoor gave an update on Twitter that the airline wants to get everything right before restarting operations, even if it means postponing the launch slightly.

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He added that there is no deadline as such and that Jet's team is working towards opening for sale by October. Kapoor also mentioned that the airline is avoiding making any hasty decisions and is focussing on getting things right.

Plenty to do

While the team at Jet has been working relentlessly to restart the airline, recent reports suggest that there's still a lot to be done before that happens. According to Mint, the airline still faces some operational challenges that have delayed its plans.

A senior official told the publication that Jet is indeed committed to restarting operations but has to "decide on the aircraft, approach the regulator, engage in the slot process and other steps which are part of the procedure ahead of starting flights. All of this will take at least a few weeks after the airline announces its aircraft order."

The report quotes a Jalan-Kalrock consortium (Jet's new owners) spokesperson as saying,

“Starting, or in this case, restarting an airline, is a complex process, and we will take the time necessary to get it right.”

Progress so far

Jet received its AOC in May and currently owns just a handful of airplanes. It is said to be exploring all options for a future aircraft order with Airbus and Boeing, but recent reports suggest that the Airbus A220 is the front runner as of now. The Jalan-Kalrock consortium spokesperson commented,

“We are in the very final stages of contracting paperwork with lessors and OEMs for aircraft and engines. We will announce our aircraft choice and fleet plans when the process concludes, which should be very soon.”

Jet has also been busy getting its initial workforce together by hiring employees across various roles, including pilots, cabin crew, and corporate executives. Although it faced a recent setback with some senior executives leaving the company, Jet said that its management team is ready for future operations.

When do you think Jet Airways will restart operations? Please leave a comment below.

Source: Mint