INDIA’S Jet Airways has
released a statement saying
that it has suspended all
domestic and international
flights after failing to secure
emergency funding from the
country’s banks.
Guests who are booked on
flights will be informed about
refunds via text message,
email or phone call to the
contact details listed in the
booking. However, Glenda
Ingram of West Beach Travel,
says communications from Jet
regarding refunds has been
poor as they no longer have a
GSA in South Africa.
Emails sent from Jet Airways
to agents say that only tickets
reported as cash sales will be
accepted for refund and the
timeframe to apply for refunds
is from April 23 to May 20.
The airline says essential
services needed to
support customers and the
re-commencement of the flight
operations will continue until
further notice.
In TNW dated April 17, it was
reported that founder, Naresh
Goyal, stepped down in late
March as part of a planned
US$218m (R3bn) bailout that
handed control to the banks.
That bailout did not
materialise, with the airline
saying the banks were unable
to consider its request for
funds to keep it flying.
The banks are continuing
their search for private
investors to buy 75% of the
airline and have extended the
deadline for submissions to
May 10.
The airline’s statement calls
the suspension temporary,
placing hope for its future.
In recent years the carrier
has struggled to cut costs to
compete with newer budget
airlines like IndiGo and
SpiceJet.
Meanwhile, Emirates has
announced it will enter into a
codeshare partnership with
SpiceJet, allowing seamless
connections for passengers
travelling between 51
destinations in India and many
destinations across Africa,
America, Europe and the
Middle East.
