The Jalan-Kalrock Consortium, owner of the Indian carrier Jet Airways, is considering an order for around 200 aircraft. Further details about the types of airplanes under consideration are not yet known.
Growth plan
Although the airline’s re-launch date has been postponed from 2022, speculation continues about its possible future fleet, which would be part of its initial growth plan. Now it has emerged that the order could be finalised during the Paris Air Show, which will take place in June.
According to a report by Mint, Jet Airways’ plan is to «maintain the aircraft mix so that it can take advantage of opportunities in the Indian market».
This is not the first time the company’s management has considered placing a large order for narrow-body and wide-body aircraft from Airbus or Boeing: in 2021, Bloomberg reported that Jalan-Kalrock was in talks with the intention of placing an order for a hundred single-aisle aircraft. The idea fell through due to opposition from lenders.
See also: Jet Airways is close to formalizing an order for 50 Airbus A220s
Competition in the Indian market
Airline activity and competition in the Indian market is intensifying. Demand for air travel, both domestic and international, is already close to pre-pandemic levels. And projections indicate that the trend will continue for the foreseeable future.
In this context, other carriers in the country have confirmed large orders in recent weeks. In mid-February, Air India ordered close to half a thousand aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. Days later it emerged that IndiGo was negotiating an order for «several hundred aircraft» with the European manufacturer.
The cessation of operations
Jet Airways began operations in 1993. Based in Mumbai, it was one of India’s leading airlines. However, with the turn of the century, it began to face new challenges. The emergence of the low-cost model in the country and the growth of large Middle Eastern companies changed the market.
Gradually, the company lost ground locally to low-cost airlines, led by IndiGo. In 2018, rising fuel prices and the devaluation of the local currency added pressure to the finances. By the end of the year, the airline was unable to meet its debts or even pay staff salaries.
It finally suspended operations on 17 April 2019. In mid-2022, Jet Airways regained its operator’s certificate, although the restart of its services has since been postponed and it is still not operating commercially.
