Jet to strengthen route network before tapping global alliances

New Delhi: The country’s largest private carrier by market share, Jet Airways, has decided to build its bargaining power by expanding its global footprint before joining one of the world’s leading airline groupings like Star Alliance and OneWorld.
As part of this strategy, the airline plans to widen its partnership with existing code-share partners such as Etihad, Brussels Airlines and Malaysian Airlines to expand its network.
“The strong global network would enable us to bargain with foreign airlines when we join any of the major alliances. If we are weak, we will end up paying more as fees to other airlines for each passenger that takes connecting flights on our network,” a Jet official not wishing to be named told FE.
Stronger airlines stand to gain more in a code-share agreement as they pay less interline service charge and commission to the alliance partner that has a smaller presence.
The Naresh Goyal-owned carrier has, therefore, sought government permission to partner with Etihad for offering an alternate route for its customers flying to Paris, Munich and Frankfurt. This is part of a dozen applications which also include permission for tie-ups with Brussels Airlines and Kenya Airways besides additional seats on its Dubai , Oman, Kuwait and Colombo routes. It also plans to fly to Manila .
19/05/10 Nirbhay Kumar/Financial Express

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Categories: Foreign May 2010, Jet Airways May 2010