Jet Airways set for œ1.9 bln expansion
LONDON, Apr 26 (UNI): Jet Airways today announced an expansion plan of 1.9 billion pounds, which is expected to give further competition to the two UK carriers Virgin Atlantic and British Airways.
The investment includes an order for 30 new long-haul jets from Airbus and Boeing to upgrade Jet's service from May next month to include a first class "bedroom in the sky." Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal said, "The expansion of Jet Airways will put the airline head to head with the carriers on services from London Heathrow." Goyal claimed that services of Jet to India would undercut both British Airways and Virgin on price.
He added that Jet's first class fare on London-Mumbai would be 20 per cent cheaper than the equivalent British Airways fare at 4,421 pounds.
He said for that passengers will get their own private suite consisting of an 83-inch flat bed, a 23-inch television screen, a personal wardrobe, state-of-the-art office facilities and the option to dine "a deux." Jet is due to take delivery of 20 Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft over the next two years to expand its current long-haul fleet.
It has also recently signed an order to buy 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with the first aircraft arriving in 2011.
Goyal also said Jet's economy and business class fares would also be cheaper than those of British Airways and Virgin with prices as low as 367 pounds for a return flight to Mumbai.
He said Jet's business class fare would be 2,262 pounds compared with 2,710 pounds for a Virgin Upper Class ticket.
However, a Virgin spokesman disputed Jet's figures saying its Upper Class fares could be bought for as little as 1,600 pounds.
The Jet Airways expansion comes with a complete makeover which includes new staff uniforms designed by the Italian fashion designer Roberto Capucci, new seats, a new corporate identity and new aircraft livery developed by the London-based Landor and Associates.
Goyal said his ambition is to turn Jet into one of the world's top five carriers.