Jet Airways plans to induct Harsh Mohan as Etihad's nominee on its board

Jet Chairman Naresh Goyal said the partnership with Etihad continues to deliver synergies across all areas

Airline major Jet Airways on Monday said that it plans to induct Harsh Mohan in its board as a nominee of its partner Etihad Airways.

"Harsh has gained wide aviation experience and financial acumen from his past associations in the aviation field and is currently the Chief Group Support Services Officer at Etihad Aviation Group," said Naresh Goyal, chairman of Jet Airways, at the company's annual general meeting held here.

Goyal said that the three-year "young strategic partnership" with Etihad Airways continues to deliver synergies across all areas, including network growth, revenue enhancement, operational efficiencies and cost improvement.

"The resultant synergies enabled 1 million passengers to connect between India and North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East over Abu Dhabi. Connections from 15 points in India have been possible as a result of this cooperation," he said.

"This remains the most widespread network for consumers and collectively, Etihad Airways and your company have captured nearly 20 per cent of the market share to these markets. In addition to seamless connectivity, passengers also derive benefits of reciprocal lounge access, through check in of baggage, extensive code shares, frequent flier programme benefits, including elite tier recognition."

Goyal disclosed that as part of the company's deleveraging effort, it has has been able to reduce its debt by Rs 1,902 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2017.

"Overall, over the last 2 years, debt has been reduced by one-third," he added.