US aircraft lessor ILFC sends rental default notice to Jet

Naresh Goyal-promoted Jet Airways has been slapped with a default notice by one of its lessors, ILFC, for non-payment of rentals.

Jet, however, said it is negotiating with the US-based International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC), and hopes to reach an amicable settlement.

The default amount could not be ascertained.

According to reports, Jet has been served a notice by ILFC for non-payment of rentals of its about six Boeing 737s.

The aircraft for which the rentals have not been paid are currently with both Jet Airways and its low-cost arm JetLite.

"Jet Airways has a long and excellent relationship with ILFC. Jet and ILFC are currently in discussions to reconcile their respective accounts to identify the exact dues. On completion of the same, the accounts will be settled," a Jet spokesperson told PTI.

The Jet Group has 115 planes, both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, a majority of them leased.

The airline reported a net loss of Rs 355.38 crore in the June quarter and is pinning hopes on the impending Rs 2,058 crore deal by divesting 24% stake to Etihad to overcome the financial problems.

The deal, which is awaiting approval from the Cabinet, the market regulator Sebi and competition watchdog CCI, has been challenged in the Supreme Court by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, alleging corruption.