Jet Airways in talks with Airbus for ten aircraft

The country's largest private airline Jet Airways (India) Ltd is in dialogue with European manufacturer Airbus for acquiring 10 aircraft.

"We are planning to acquire 10 Airbus A 330 with an option to buy 10 more aircraft. We are in negotiation with Airbus for finalising the deal," Peter Luethi, chief operating officer, Jet Airway (India), said here today.

Luethi said the airline would take delivery of aircraft by 2007, but declined to comment on the deal size.

He said the airline has already executed a purchase agreement with US-based aircraft manufacturer for 10 Boeing 777-300ER series aircraft (including10 options) with deliveries commencing from March 2007.

Luethi declined to comment on the size of the Boeing deal too.Referring to the hike in airfare following the rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), Luethi said," At present, we can manage the impact of hike in ATF. But Jet Airways will be forced to hike the airfare in the wake of rise in ATF. However, the airline will spare domestic route from the proposed hike."

According to a senior Jet Airways executive, the airline is awaiting clearance from government to launch services to Singapore from Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore.

"We are also waiting green signal from government to introduce services of Delhi-Amritsar - Birmingham. This will be thrice in a week," the official added.

He added that the airline was also exploring options to launch services to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata from Bangalore in winter schedule.