Jet Airways faces turbulence ahead of launch as 3 senior executives quit

Jet Airways has been hit by three top-level resignations ahead of its relaunch. The three senior executives who have resigned include Captains Niraj Chandan (head of flight safety), Vishesh Oberoi (head of operations) and Sorab Variava (head of training).

These posts are critical and generally senior pilots are nominated for the roles. The appointments are made after an approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The Jalan-Kalrock consortium (JKC), which is preparing to launch the airline, however, downplayed the exits.

“We do not comment on rumours and speculations. Exits and entries occur in any organisation. The senior management team for Jet Airways is now fully in place and we remain committed for the earliest recommencement of operations of Jet Airways,” a spokesperson of JKC said in an emailed response.

Earlier, JKC was planning a September launch but is yet to announce aircraft induction plans. Largescale hiring of pilots, too, is expected only after the aircraft choice is finalised.

The consortium had said it was in the final stages of contracting with lessors and OEMs for aircraft and engines.

Last June, the National Company Law Tribunal cleared the JKC’s resolution plan to revive the grounded airline. According to the plan, the consortium agreed to Rs 475 crore to the grounded airline’s lenders, employees and other creditors. “The lenders want to know how the JKC’s plans to honour its commitments and then will step back and hand over control of the company,” said a person in the know.

“The liabilities of Jalan-Kalrock consortium are clearly defined in the NCLT-approved resolution plan and the consortium is in full compliance with all the obligations. The implementation of the resolution plan with the banks is moving forward effectively,” the spokesperson said.