Jet Airways, at the instruction of aircraft lessors, on Tuesday grounded four more aircraft due to non-payment of lease rentals.
With this, as per Jet Airways own admission, a total of 32 aircraft have been grounded as the airline could not mobilise funds to meet the financial commitment.
Over 50 planes idling?
But according to employees, more than 50 aircraft are not flying due to various reasons and are parked at various airports across the country. The large scale grounding of planes has severely curtailed the airline’s flight schedule, inconveniencing passengers. However, Jet Airways said that it has been providing prior information to passengers to minimise their trouble.
Reportedly Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal had asked for immediate funding of ₹750 crore from Etihad Airways which holds 24% stake in the airline. However, Etihad had indicated that as a minority partner it had a limited role to play.
“As a minority shareholder, Etihad continues to work constructively with the Jet Airways board, management team and other stakeholders,” an Etihad Airways spokesperson said.
All eyes are now on the lenders to activate the Bank led Provisional Resolution Plan (BLPRP) that would mobilise ₹8,500 crore to save the airline from sinking.