Jet Airways' Return To Skies Delayed With Plane Talks In Limbo

Jet Airways can't sell tickets in September because lenders are reluctant to allow it to take on any fresh liabilities such as an aircraft order, said sources.

Jet Airways India Ltd, the carrier undergoing a court-monitored process to emerge from bankruptcy, won't return to the skies this month as previously planned, according to people familiar with the matter. Because this is not an order for fast food from Swiggys. Aircraft and engine orders are worth billions, and one must take the time to get it right so as to not repent later. https://t.co/Fv7VHpTLpv

The airline, once India's top private carrier, can't sell tickets in September because lenders are reluctant to allow it to take on any fresh liabilities such as an aircraft order, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing private negotiations. Jet is also still in talks with plane manufacturers and lessors to obtain contracts, one of the people said.

The airline is "very close" to finalizing its initial fleet plan and preparing to start sales and resume operations "in the coming weeks," a representative for Jet's new owners said in a statement. "There is no deadline; target dates are set by us alone, and we have always maintained that this is a marathon, not a sprint."

There are no restrictions on Jet placing an aircraft order and it's free to add new assets, according to the statement.