Airlines not blackmailing Govt: Naresh Goyal

New Delhi/Mumbai: Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal says private airlines are making a “point” with their strike on August 18 and are not “blackmailing” the Government.
“There is no question of blackmail, or threat, or pressurising the Government. It is just to make point what the aviation industry is going through,” Goyal told Network18 in an interview in Mumbai.
Goyal said private airlines are not seeking a bailout but want the Government to “resolve issues” which will enable to remain in business. "We are not looking for any financial package, or any bailout, or any cash. It’s only to request them--the industry has been requesting them for a long time. The industry must be sustainable; profitable only then you can continue in business.”
Goyal offered to talk to the Government about the what the airlines seek. “All the private airlines, anytime the Government needs, will be very happy to discuss the issues. Hopefully they can be resolved,” he said.
Saroj Datta, executive director of Jet Airways; in a separate interview to CNBC-TV18, said airlines wanted a reduction in taxes and airport maintenance charges.
“We know that the declared good status with 40 percent of the cost being aviation turbine fuel cost, out of the total operating expenses. A reduction in average sales tax by 22 percent roughly will obviously have a significant impact,” said Dutta.
01/08/09 Network18/IBN Live

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Categories: Jet Airways Aug 2008