Jet Airways is seeking pilots with experience in flying Bombardier Q400, a type of turboprop aircraft it currently does not own but which features prominently in SpiceJet's fleet.
The move has sparked speculation that Jet Airways may be considering to buy the planes from loss-making SpiceJet, which was forced to briefly ground its fleet last month after suppliers refused to refuel its planes.
SpiceJet is the only Indian airline that owns and operates Bombardier Q400s. It has 15 such planes.
The recruitment ad does not mention the number of positions Jet Airways is looking to fill. But it clearly states that the carrier wants chief pilots with at least 1,000 hours of experience in flying the Q400. The candidates' overall flying experience should be at least 3,000 hours.
The eligibility criterion for first officers is 500 hours of flying time on Q400s.
The ad has set the industry abuzz. "Everyone wants to know whether Jet intends to buy SpiceJet's fleet of Q400," said a SpiceJet pilot who operates one such plane. "SpiceJet is the only airline in the country that operates the Q400. And unlike its Boeing fleet, the Q400s have not been leased; they are owned by the airline."
03/01/15 Aditya Anand/Mumbai Mirror
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The move has sparked speculation that Jet Airways may be considering to buy the planes from loss-making SpiceJet, which was forced to briefly ground its fleet last month after suppliers refused to refuel its planes.
SpiceJet is the only Indian airline that owns and operates Bombardier Q400s. It has 15 such planes.
The recruitment ad does not mention the number of positions Jet Airways is looking to fill. But it clearly states that the carrier wants chief pilots with at least 1,000 hours of experience in flying the Q400. The candidates' overall flying experience should be at least 3,000 hours.
The eligibility criterion for first officers is 500 hours of flying time on Q400s.
The ad has set the industry abuzz. "Everyone wants to know whether Jet intends to buy SpiceJet's fleet of Q400," said a SpiceJet pilot who operates one such plane. "SpiceJet is the only airline in the country that operates the Q400. And unlike its Boeing fleet, the Q400s have not been leased; they are owned by the airline."
03/01/15 Aditya Anand/Mumbai Mirror
