Jet will re-emerge as a robust airline: Goyal, Etihad CEO in joint message

Business Standard Jet will re-emerge as a robust airline: Goyal, Etihad CEO in joint message

An airline source pointed out there is anxiousness among employees and stakeholders are awaiting an outcome

Companies News: Jet Airways and Etihad Airways are working together on a resolution plan to make the airline robust and viable, the two airlines said in a joint statement .

The communication comes in the backdrop of lessor actions to ground planes and threats from a section of pilots to stop flying over salary delays.

“Jet Airways, its principal shareholders, including Etihad Airways, and key financial stakeholders are working towards the finalisation and subsequent implementation of the bank-led provisional resolution plan (BLPRP) to ensure the carrier emerges as a financially strong and resilient airline. The approval of the BLPRP by the board of directors of Jet Airways last week was an important step in this direction,” Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal and Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas said in a joint statement.

“We are confident that once the BLPRP is finalised and implemented, Jet Airways will re-emerge as a viable and robust airline to reclaim its rightful place as the airline of first choice for its customers,” it said.

The statement comes four days after the extraordinary general meeting to approve the increase in authorised share capital and conversion of debt into equity. While Goyal skipped the meeting, Etihad abstained from voting on the resolution. Etihad, which owns 24 per cent in the airline, is also laying stiff conditions to infuse fresh capital. The Abu Dhabi-based airline had earlier demanded stripping Goyal of all his powers and also wants a right of first refusal and waiver from the open offer.

Jet Airways faces a cash crunch leading to defaults in lease and loan payments. On Saturday, the airline informed the stock exchange that lessors had forced the grounding of two additional aircraft. The airline is also negotiating the early return of some of its leased planes because of fund shortage. Meanwhile pilots are also getting impatient over salary delay...Read More