JetLite to charge for on-board food, swap routes with Jet

Mumbai: The owner of the country’s largest private carrier, Jet Airways (India) Ltd, is taking desperate measures to boost revenue and cut costs.
The airline is beginning the drive by charging passengers of JetLite, its low-fare airline, for food and beverages served on-board.
The carrier is also considering taking over profitable routes from JetLite, the erstwhile Air Sahara that was bought by Jet Airways in early 2007, and sharing the ticket distribution software.
The moves come amid a surge in aviation fuel prices that are squeezing airlines’ earnings.
JetLite, which has until now been positioned between full-service airlines and no-frills carriers that sell refreshments on-board, currently provides a free food tray with a cup cake, bun and a small bottle of water.
Lueders, speaking on the sidelines of a conference organized by event management firm Terrapinn Pte Ltd and aviation data services provider, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation in Mumbai, said the airline is considering selling hot beverages such as coffee and tea to make JetLite a “flying cafeteria”.
The low-cost airline also plans to sell other merchandise such as cosmetics and sunglasses, he added.
12/06/08 P.R. Sanjai/Livemint

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Categories: Jet Airways Jun 2008, JetLite Jun 2008