NEW DELHI: Air safety regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday said Jet Airways has been instructed to use only ‘air worthy’ aircraft totally fit for flying and to ensure that passengers do not suffer because of flight cancellations.
DGCA B.S. Bhullar said that the regulator was watching the situation of grounding of aircraft and flight cancellations on a day-to-day basis and was working with the airline to ensure passenger safety and convenience.
The company has been advised to give the regulator ample notice of flight cancellations in order to make changes in flight schedules. In case of last minute cancellations, the airline has been advised to make other arrangements for the passengers either within the airline or with other airlines, civil aviation secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola said in response to a question at a briefing on the ministry’s performance.
Jet said in an update of its operations to stock exchanges on Thursday that it has grounded three more aircraft since 4 March due to non-payment to lessors . “The company is actively engaged with all its aircraft lessors and regularly providesthem with updates on the efforts undertaken by the company to improve its liquidity," Jet stated. It said that aircraft lessors have been supportive of its efforts in this regard.
The company said that it is making all efforts to minimize disruption to its network.Jet is currently exploring a turnaround package with lenders led by State Bank of India (SBI) and shareholder Etihad Airways PJSC.
