Jet Airways’ eligibility to fly internationally needs to be examined: Civil Aviation Secretary

Apr 03, 2019

New Delhi, Apr 03 (ANI): Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola today said that debt-laden Jet Airways is currently operating less than 15 planes and its eligibility to fly on international routes needs to be examined. An airline needs to have a 20-aircraft fleet and 120 daily domestic flights to fly international. Kharola's comments came a day after Jet Airways said 15 more aircraft have been grounded due to non-payment of amounts outstanding to lessors under their respective lease agreements. The airline has over one billion dollars in debt. The banks were to release an immediate debt funding of Rs 1,500 crore for Jet to tide over the current crisis. However, reports say the funds have not been released yet due to technical reasons. Speaking to ANI, Pradeep Singh Kharola said, “Jet issues have been handled by the bankers. The issue is between the bank and jet management. The boarding pass of political leaders has been withdrawn and we will be taking actions against the responsible people.”