I / Mumbai April 16, 2007
| CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO Jet Airways today said that it will run Air Sahara as a 100% subsidiary under the brand name of Jetlite, which would be postitioned as a value carrier - between a full service carrier and a low cost carrier (LCC). "Jetlite would be profitable within a year because of lower unit cost arising out of synergistic use of available resources. The frequent flier scheme of Jet will be extended to Jetlite,and Air Sahara frequent fliers would be converted to Jetlite frequent fliers very soon," Naresh Goyal, chairman, Jet Airways, said. Jetlite, on behalf of Jet Airways, will take delivery of 10 Boeing B737 aircraft, that Air Sahara ordered from US aircraft major Boeing, Goyal said. "We are planning to renegotiate with the Air Sahara's aircraft lessors for better rates. We will derive benefit out of the commonality of fleet and synergies out of sharing engineering support, infrastructure at airports, flight despacth, network rationalisation and maintenance costs," Goyal said. Jet Airways and Jetlite will have two different business models. Jetlite will operate as an independent carrier with its own operating permit, it will have access to available traffic rights for international operations. "Jetlite's strategy would be based on successful business models such as South West and Jet Blue," Goyal added. Jetlite would have fewer frills with all economy class details. At present, there is no value carrier in India. Airlines such as Paramount Airways and yet-to-be-launched MDLR Airlines have exclusive business class configuration. Saroj K Datta, executive director, Jet Airways said the details of this value carrier model are yet to be finalised. Industry analysts say that though there is a positive aspect about synergy of operations, the positioning of Jetlite is not yet clear. PTI adds: Positioning itself as a global airline, Jet Airways today unveiled a new corporate identity. The corporate identity and brand mark has been refreshed to include a swirl of colour reminiscent of a typical Indian dupatta (scarf). The new look retains the golden `flying sun' and dark blue as a primary colour, but introduces ribbons of yellow and gold that make the mark more modern and inclusive. The airline has also introduced fresh airline uniform for the cabin crew designed by Italian designer Roberto Capucci. "We are repositioning Jet Airways as a global airline with the highest international standards but with a touch of India," Gaurang Shetty, V-P Marketing, Jet Airways said. Jet Airways worked with Landor and Associates of London in making its corporate identity and aircraft livery match with customers in international markets. "We have retained many of the familiar elements of our corporate identity and colours, but have contemporized them to make the brand more relevant to global markets," Shetty said. Jet Airways is also reportedly planning to raise up to $400 million in the next few months through sales of shares. The money raised would be used for Jet's expansion plans overseas. |
