Jet Airways pens capacity hike plan

Jet Airways, the country's largest private sector airline, is charting out a capacity expansion. 
 
While the government is yet to give a green signal to private carriers to fly overseas, the airline has already scripted an overseas expansion plan. On the domestic front, Jet expects to increase capacity by 5 per cent in the current year. 
 
Anita Goyal, vice-president (international sales), said the company is in talks with aircraft manufacturers including Airbus and Boeing, and is evaluating the option of inducting B 777 LR, A340-500, A330-200, A340-300 in its fleet to kick start its overseas operations, particularly South East Asia and Europe. 
 
"While we do not have the permission to fly to foreign destinations currently, barring Saarc countries, we have to prepare ourselves and be ready. Once the government gives the go-ahead we will immediately start operating to foreign destinations," she said. 
 
Peter Luethi, chief operating officer, said, "We are adding around 2 Boeing 737s in our fleet to be deployed in the

domestic market. Our competition has been adding capacities in the domestic market consistently. We have, however not added much in the recent past." Jet currently operates 36,000 seats a day. Its fleet comprise 33 Boeing 737 aircraft and eight turbo-prop ATR 72-500 aircraft. 
 
Jet Airways, which is aiming to go international and at the same time is fighting growing competition from low-cost carriers, on Monday announced a revamped frequent flyer programme. The airline currently has around 350,000 members in its frequent flier programme. 
 
The new programme, which comes into effect from August 1, will enable members to access their membership account and transact online. It will also offer additional membership levels replacing the earlier three-tier levels with five membership levels -- JP Blue, JP Blue Plus, JP Silver, JP Gold and Elite JP Platinium. 
 
According to Gaurang Shetty, senior general manager (marketing), the move will allow Jet to position itself for global competition as and when it is allowed to fly to foreign destinations.