Jet plans 90-aircraft fleet by 2009

Plans Brussels as its next international destination

Jet Airways is planning expansion is a massive way. The airline is planning to have a total of 90 aircraft in by 2009 from the current 50 aircraft.

The company has recently ordered 20 Boeing airplanes including six B777-200LR Worldliners, four B777 300ERs and ten Next-Generation B737-800s.

This agreement marks the introduction of the B777 aircraft into the Jet Airways fleet with options for 10 additional B777 airplanes. The B777s which will be delivered beginning late 2006, will be used to operate non-stop flights between India and the U.S. The B737's will be delivered in early 2006. The company recently inducted its 50th aircraft, a Boeing 737 to its fleet.

Speaking to Business Standard, Jet Airways COO Peter Luethi said: "We aim to have a fleet of 90 by 2009. The financing options are being worked out and usually it is 50 per cent owned while 50 per cent will be leased. This has been model and we might continue with this as we go forward."

He added that Jet's plans to fly to US, which recently ran into trouble is being sorted out and hopefully they should be able to touch US. "In addition to this, we are planning to add Brussels to our international destinations," he added.

Jet currently flies to London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Kathmandu as part of its international destinations besides the Indian cities.

The airline currently flies close to 9 million passengers every year and it plans to touch 18 million with this expansion of fleet. Leuthi reiterated that they are not looking at a no-frills airline model and will continue to innovate on their existing full service model.