New Delhi: Days after the Etihad tie-up, Jet Airways has got yet another major boost to expand its global footprint and become the biggest Indian carrier in terms of network. The aviation ministry has allowed Jet to go for code-sharing with five airlines — American Airlines, Malaysian, Garuda of Indonesia, Vietnam Airlines and Kenya Airways.
A code-share allows two or more airlines share the same flight. Passengers will buy ticket from one airline and take a flight operated by another airline, allowing partners to expand their global connectivity.
Jet promoter Naresh Goyal's decision not to enter any airline alliance has clearly paid off, as it can tie up with any carrier, without having to remain within the fold and sticking to fellow member airlines. Lufthansa-led Star Alliance, the world's largest alliance, was very keen to have Jet on board.
"This is one of the biggest permissions given to an Indian airline for code-share in a go, and will be a big boost for Jet," said sources. With the $900-million deal with Etihad likely to be signed by this month-end, Jet is aggressively planning to expand its global network and this recent decision will be another shot in the arm.
Apart from code-share, the Etihad deal will mean Jet operates flights between 23 Indian cities and Abu Dhabi. From the Gulf, Jet will have flights to numerous points in the US, including a non-stop to San Francisco, Gulf, East Africa and Europe. These will be in addition to the non-stops it operates directly from India to the West and Southeast Asia.
Jet expects a substantial passenger load between Europe, Southeast Asia and China, where it plans to restart operations to Shanghai. The airline, which has 100 aircraft in its fleet, is in talks with Boeing for a big order for Boeing 737 Max.
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